bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soft Computing Techniques for Static Series Voltage Regulator of Self Excited Induction Generator
Authors: Tiwari Sachin , Gupta Sushma , Jain Shailendra , Singh Bhim
Published: November 2014

This paper deal with soft computing techniques such as artificial neural network (ANN), fuzzy logic controller (FLC) and proportional-integral (PI)-based static series voltage regulator (SSVR) for constant speed prime mover driven self excited induction generator (SEIG) feeding three phases linear and nonlinear loads. The constant speed prime mover such as biogas, biomass and gas-turbine driven standalone generating system has problem of poor voltage regulation. The SSVR is injects series voltage in to system to maintain constant source and load voltage with power quality improvement of source and load current. The SSVR is modeled using insulated gate bipolar junction transistor (IGBT)-based voltage controlled-voltage source converter (VC-VSC) with self supported DC bus. The A 7.5 kW, 415 V, 50 Hz asynchronous machine with voltage regulator and loads are designed, modeled and simulated in MATLAB environment. Simulated results are presented capability of an SEIG system with ANN, fuzzy and PI-based SSVR and their comparison.
Vector particles tunneling from BTZ black holes
Authors: Chen Ge-Rui , Zhou Shiwei , Huang Yong-Chang
Published: November 2014

In this paper we investigate vector particles' Hawking radiation from a Banados–Teitelboim–Zanelli (BTZ) black hole. By applying the Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) approximation and the Hamilton–Jacobi ansatz to the Proca equation, we obtain the tunneling spectrum of vector particles. The expected Hawking temperature is recovered.
THE HESTON STOCHASTIC-LOCAL VOLATILITY MODEL: EFFICIENT MONTE CARLO SIMULATION
Authors: VAN DER STOEP ANTHONIE W. , GRZELAK LECH A. , OOSTERLEE CORNELIS W.
Published: November 2014

In this paper we propose an efficient Monte Carlo scheme for simulating the stochastic volatility model of Heston (1993) enhanced by a nonparametric local volatility component. This hybrid model combines the main advantages of the Heston model and the local volatility model introduced by Dupire (1994) and Derman & Kani (1998). In particular, the additional local volatility component acts as a "compensator" that bridges the mismatch between the nonperfectly calibrated Heston model and the market quotes for European-type options. By means of numerical experiments we show that our scheme enables a consistent and fast pricing of products that are sensitive to the forward volatility skew. Detailed error analysis is also provided.
Multivariate variational principles for topological pressure
Authors: Rauch Marc
Published: November 2014

We prove two variational principles for continuous real-valued functions defined on Cartesian products of a discrete dynamical system. They involve nonadditive topological pressure for a certain class of potentials, and can be seen as extension to the classical variational principles.
Representation of DNA sequences in genetic codon context with applications in exon and intron prediction
Authors: Yin Changchuan
Published: November 2014

To apply digital signal processing (DSP) methods to analyze DNA sequences, the sequences first must be specially mapped into numerical sequences. Thus, effective numerical mappings of DNA sequences play key roles in the effectiveness of DSP-based methods such as exon prediction. Despite numerous mappings of symbolic DNA sequences to numerical series, the existing mapping methods do not include the genetic coding features of DNA sequences. We present a novel numerical representation of DNA sequences using genetic codon context (GCC) in which the numerical values are optimized by simulation annealing to maximize the 3-periodicity signal to noise ratio (SNR). The optimized GCC representation is then applied in exon and intron prediction by Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT) approach. The results show the GCC method enhances the SNR values of exon sequences and thus increases the accuracy of predicting protein coding regions in genomes compared with the commonly used 4D binary representation. In addition, this study offers a novel way to reveal specific features of DNA sequences by optimizing numerical mappings of symbolic DNA sequences.
Infrared Photothermal Therapy with Water Soluble Reduced Graphene Oxide: Shape, Size and Reduction Degree Effects
Authors: Turcheniuk Kostiantyn , Hage Charle-Henri , Heliot Laurent , Railian Svetlana , Zaitsev Vladimir , Spadavecchia Jolanda , Boukherroub Rabah , Szunerits Sabine
Published: November 2014

In this work, we investigate the effects of lateral size and reduction level of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets on the photothermal properties. PEG-modified GO (GO–PEG) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO–PEG) matrices were synthesized through amide bond formation between the carboxyl groups of carboxylated GO and rGO and the amine groups of a PEG linker. We found that the reaction temperature has an important influence on the morphology and size of the pegylated nanostructures. While rGO–PEG formed at 80°C is of nanometer size, the GO–PEG, prepared at room temperature, has needle-like shape with micrometric dimensions. The rGO–PEG matrix was found to be highly soluble under physiological conditions with no aggregation observed even after 6 months of storage. The cytotoxicity of both matrices as well as their photothermal properties to ablate cervical HeLa cancer cells and MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma cells were studied. There was no sign of acute toxicity of rGO–PEG for HeLa and MDA-MB-31 cancer cells over a wide concentration range. A complete destruction of the tumor cells could be achieved with a laser power of 6 W cm-2 and a concentration of 60 μg mL-1 of rGO–PEG.
Detrital zircon and tectonostratigraphy of the Parautochthon under the Morais Complex (NE Portugal): implications for the Variscan accretionary history of the Iberian Massif
Authors: da Silva Ícaro Dias , Linnemann Ulf , Hofmann Mandy , González-Clavijo Emilio , Díez-Montes Alejandro , Martínez Catalán José R.
Published: November 2014

Zircon geochronology using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, combined with a new detailed geological map and a stratigraphic study of the Parautochthon at the eastern rim of the Morais Allochthonous Complex, has provided new insights into the evolution of the Iberian Variscan belt. The data confirmed that the Parautochthon is composed of two structural units. The higher and more deformed, called the Upper Parautochthon, consists of recumbently folded pre-Variscan low-grade metasediments deposited in the northern Gondwana passive margin during the opening of the Rheic Ocean. It represents the Variscan tectonic duplication of the NW Iberian autochthonous sedimentary sequence triggered by the advance of a stack of allochthonous units formed previously in an accretionary prism. Below this unit, the Lower Parautochthon is a less pervasively deformed tectonic slice including two lithostratigraphic units (Travanca and Vila Chã formations) composed of Culm-type synorogenic low-grade metasediments deposited in a tectonic trench located between the accretionary prism and a peripheral bulge, with detrital zircon age populations pointing to a Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous age. These sediments were subsequently detached from the Autochthon along mechanically weak Silurian carbonaceous slates. The provenance study on the detrital zircons implies that this basin was fed mainly from the active margin.

Supplementary material:

The complete U–Pb age results obtained by LA-ICP-MS analysis are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18781
.
Oat1/3 restoration protects against renal damage after ischemic AKI
Authors: Schneider R. , Meusel M. , Betz B. , Held C. , Möller-Ehrlich K. , Büttner-Herold M. , Wanner C. , Gekle M. , Sauvant C.
Published: November 2014

Expression of proximal tubular organic anion transporters Oat1 and Oat3 is reduced by PGE2after renal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. We hypothesized that impaired expression of Oat1/3 is decisively involved in the deterioration of renal function after I/R injury. Therefore, we administered probenecid, which blocks proximal tubular indomethacin uptake, to abolish the indomethacin-mediated restoration of Oat1/3 regulation and its effect on renal functional and morphological outcome. Ischemic acute kidney injury (iAKI) was induced in rats by bilateral clamping of renal arteries for 45 min with 24-h follow-up. Low-dose indomethacin (1 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally (ip) at the end of ischemia. Probenecid (50 mg/kg) was administered ip 20 min later. Indomethacin restored the expression of Oat1/3, PAH net secretion, and PGE2clearance. Additionally, indomethacin improved kidney function as measured by glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal perfusion as determined by corrected PAH clearance, and morphology, whereas it reduced renal cortical apoptosis and nitric oxide production. Notably, indomethacin did not affect inflammation parameters in the kidneys (e.g., monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, ED1+ cells). On the other hand, probenecid blocked the indomethacin-induced restoration of Oat1/3 and moreover abrogated all beneficial effects. Our study indicates that the beneficial effect of low-dose indomethacin in iAKI is not due to its anti-inflammatory potency, but in contrast to its restoration of Oat1/3 expression and/or general renal function. Inhibition of proximal tubular indomethacin uptake abrogates the beneficial effect of indomethacin by resetting the PGE2-mediated Oat1/3 impairment, thus reestablishing renal damage. This provides evidence for a mechanistic effect of Oat1/3 in a new model of the induction of renal damage after iAKI.
PKC-α contributes to high NaCl-induced activation of NFAT5 (TonEBP/OREBP) through MAPK ERK1/2
Authors: Wang Hong , Ferraris Joan D. , Klein Janet D. , Sands Jeff M. , Burg Maurice B. , Zhou Xiaoming
Published: November 2014

High NaCl in the renal medullary interstitial fluid powers the concentration of urine but can damage cells. The transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 (NFAT5) activates the expression of osmoprotective genes. We studied whether PKC-α contributes to the activation of NFAT5. PKC-α protein abundance was greater in the renal medulla than in the cortex. Knockout of PKC-α reduced NFAT5 protein abundance and expression of its target genes in the inner medulla. In human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells, high NaCl increased PKC-α activity, and small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of PKC-α attenuated high NaCl-induced NFAT5 transcriptional activity. Expression of ERK1/2 protein and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 were higher in the renal inner medulla than in the cortex. Knockout of PKC-α decreased ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the inner medulla, as did knockdown of PKC-α in HEK-293 cells. Also, knockdown of ERK2 reduced high NaCl-dependent NFAT5 transcriptional activity in HEK-293 cells. Combined knockdown of PKC-α and ERK2 had no greater effect than knockdown of either alone. Knockdown of either PKC-α or ERK2 reduced the high NaCl-induced increase of NFAT5 transactivating activity. We have previously found that the high NaCl-induced increase of phosphorylation of Ser591on Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1 (SHP-1-S591-P) contributes to the activation of NFAT5 in cell culture, and here we found high levels of SHP-1-S591-P in the inner medulla. PKC-α has been previously shown to increase SHP-1-S591-P, which raised the possibility that PKC-α might be acting through SHP-1. However, we did not find that knockout of PKC-α in the renal medulla or knockdown in HEK-293 cells affected SHP-1-S591-P. We conclude that PKC-α contributes to high NaCl-dependent activation of NFAT5 through ERK1/2 but not through SHP-1-S591.
NOS1-dependent negative feedback regulation of the epithelial sodium channel in the collecting duct
Authors: Hyndman Kelly A. , Bugaj Vladislav , Mironova Elena , Stockand James D. , Pollock Jennifer S.
Published: November 2014

With an increase in urine flow there is a significant increase in shear stress against the renal epithelium including the inner medullary collecting duct, resulting in an increase in nitric oxide (NO) production. The mechanisms of the shear stress-mediated increases in NO are undetermined. Previous studies found that shear stress increases epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) open probability and endothelin (ET)-1 production in an ENaC-dependent mechanism in the collecting duct (CD). Given that ET-1 stimulates NO production in the CD, we hypothesized that shear stress-induced NO production is downstream of shear stress-induced ENaC activation and ET-1 production in a negative feedback loop. We determined that nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1) and NOS3 contribute to shear stress-mediated NO production in the CD, that is attenuated by low doses of the ENaC inhibitors amiloride and benzamil. Moreover, ETBreceptor blockade significantly blunted the shear stress-mediated NO production. We further elucidated whether mice lacking NOS1 in the collecting duct (CDNOS1KO) have an impaired renal ET-1 system in the CD. Although urinary ET-1 production and inner medullary ET receptor expression were similar between flox control and CDNOS1KO mice, acute ET-1 treatment significantly reduced ENaC open probability in CDs from flox mice but not CDNOS1KO mice compared with basal. Basal ENaC activity in CDs was similar between the genotypes. We conclude that during acute shear stress across the CD, ENaC acts in a negative feedback loop to stimulate NO production in an ETB/NOS1-dependent manner resulting in a decrease in ENaC open probability and promoting natriuresis.
What does a neuron learn from multisensory experience?
Authors: Xu Jinghong , Yu Liping , Stanford Terrence R. , Rowland Benjamin A. , Stein Barry E.
Published: November 2014

The brain's ability to integrate information from different senses is acquired only after extensive sensory experience. However, whether early life experience instantiates a general integrative capacity in multisensory neurons or one limited to the particular cross-modal stimulus combinations to which one has been exposed is not known. By selectively restricting either visual-nonvisual or auditory-nonauditory experience during the first few months of life, the present study found that trisensory neurons in cat superior colliculus (as well as their bisensory counterparts) became adapted to the cross-modal stimulus combinations specific to each rearing environment. Thus, even at maturity, trisensory neurons did not integrate all cross-modal stimulus combinations to which they were capable of responding, but only those that had been linked via experience to constitute a coherent spatiotemporal event. This selective maturational process determines which environmental events will become the most effective targets for superior colliculus-mediated shifts of attention and orientation.
Interconnection and synchronization of neuronal populations in the mouse medial septum/diagonal band of Broca
Authors: Leão Richardson N. , Targino Zé H. , Colom Luis V. , Fisahn André
Published: November 2014

The medial septum/diagonal band of Broca (MS/DBB) is crucial for hippocampal theta rhythm generation (4–12 Hz). However, the mechanisms behind theta rhythmogenesis are still under debate. The MS/DBB consists, in its majority, of three neuronal populations that use acetylcholine, GABA, or glutamate as neurotransmitter. While the firing patterns of septal neurons enable the MS/DBB to generate rhythmic output critical for the generation of the hippocampal theta rhythm, the ability to synchronize these action potentials is dependent on the interconnectivity between the three major MS/DBB neuronal populations, yet little is known about intraseptal connections. Here we assessed the connectivity between pairs of MS/DBB neurons with paired patch-clamp recordings. We found that glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons provide intraseptal connections and produce sizable currents in MS/DBB postsynaptic cells. We also analyzed linear and nonlinear relationships between the action potentials fired by pairs of neurons belonging to various MS/DBB neuronal populations. Our results show that while the synchrony index for action potential firing was significantly higher in pairs of GABAergic neurons, coherence of action potential firing in the theta range was similarly low in all pairs analyzed. Recurrence analysis demonstrated that individual action potentials were more recurrent in cholinergic neurons than in other cell types. Implementing sparse connectivity in a computer model of the MS/DBB network reproduced our experimental data. We conclude that the interplay between the intrinsic membrane properties of different MS/DBB neuronal populations and the connectivity among these populations underlie the ability of the MS/DBB network to critically contribute to hippocampal theta rhythmogenesis.
HSV-2 and Substance Abuse amongst Adolescents: Insights through Mathematical Modelling
Authors: Mhlanga A. , Bhunu C. P. , Mushayabasa S.
Published: November 2014

Herpes simplex virus infection is mostly spread and occurs more commonly among substance abusing adolescents as compared to the nonsubstance abusing. In this paper, a mathematical model for the spread of HSV-2 within a community with substance abusing adolescents is developed and analysed. The impacts of condom use and educational campaigns are examined. The study suggests that condom use is highly effective among adolescents, when we have more of them quitting than becoming substance abusers. Measures such as educational campaigns can be put in place to try and reduce adolescents from becoming substance abusers. Further, we applied optimal control theory to the proposed model. The controls represent condom use and educational campaigns. The objective is based on maximising the susceptible nonsubstance abusing adolescents, while minimising the susceptible substance abusing adolescents, the infectious nonsubstance abusing adolescents, and the infectious substance abusing adolescents. We used Pontrygin’s maximum principle to characterise the optimal levels of the two controls. The resulting optimality system is solved numerically. Overall, the application of the optimal control theory suggests that more effort should be devoted to condom use as compared to educational campaigns.
Myocardial Infarction as a Rare Cause of Otalgia
Authors: Dundar Riza , Kulduk Erkan , Kemal Soy Fatih , Sengul Ersin , Ertas Faruk
Published: November 2014

Aim. To present a case referred to our clinic with severe right ear pain but without any abnormal finding during otological examination and diagnosed as myocardial infarction and also to draw attention to otalgia which can occur secondary to myocardial infarction.Case Report. An 87-year-old female admitted with right ear pain lasting for nearly 12 hours and sweating on the head and neck region. On otolaryngologic examination, any pathological finding was not encountered. Her electrocardiogram revealed findings consistent with myocardial infarction. Her troponin values were 0.175 ng/L at 1 hour, and 0.574 ng/L at 3 hours. The patient was diagnosed as non-ST MI, and her required initial therapies were performed. On cardiac angiography, very severe coronary artery stenosis was detected, and surgical treatment was recommended for the patient. The patient who rejected surgical treatment was discharged with prescription of medical treatment.Conclusion. Especially in elderly patients with complaints of ear pain but without any abnormal finding on otoscopic examination, cardiac pathologies should be conceived.
Supersensitivity Psychosis and Its Response to Asenapine in a Patient with Delusional Disorder
Authors: Rajkumar Ravi Philip
Published: November 2014

Supersensitivity psychosis is a recognized complication of long-term antipsychotic treatment, in which patients develop new or reemergent psychotic symptoms, generally accompanied by dyskinetic movements, due to prolonged dopamine receptor blockade and resultant supersensitivity. Though it is most closely associated with schizophrenia and the use of typical antipsychotic agents, it has also been documented in patients with other diagnoses, and in those receiving atypical antipsychotics. There is no established treatment for this condition. In this paper, we describe a patient with persistent delusional disorder, jealous type, who developed a supersensitivity psychosis characterized by persecutory delusions, auditory hallucinations, and thought insertion in association with mild tardive dyskinesia. These symptoms resolved completely following six weeks of treatment with the second-generation antipsychotic asenapine, 20 mg/day. The mechanisms and implications of the patient’s symptomatology and response are discussed.
Fatal Pulmonary Tumor Embolic Microangiopathy in Young Lady without Known Primary Malignancy
Authors: Hammodi Adel , Al-Azem M. Ali , Hanafy Ahmed , Nakkar Talal
Published: November 2014

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Malignancy, prolonged recumbence, and chemotherapy are renowned risk factors for development of clinically significant PE. Cancer exerts a multitude of pathophysiological processes, for example, hypercoagulability and abnormal vessels with sluggish circulation that can lead to PE. One of the peculiar characteristics of tumor cells is their ability to reach the circulation and behave as blood clot—not a metastasis-occluding the pulmonary circulation. We present a case of fatal pulmonary embolism diagnosed histologically to be due to tumor cell embolism.
Atorvastatin Treatment Does Not Alter Pulse Wave Velocity in Healthy Adults
Authors: Ballard Kevin D. , Taylor Beth A. , Capizzi Jeffrey A. , Grimaldi Adam S. , White C. Michael , Thompson Paul D.
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Both statins and regular physical activity (PA) reduce arterial stiffness. The present post hoc analysis examined if arterial stiffness was improved with high-dose atorvastatin treatment in healthy adults and whether PA levels magnified this response. We utilized data from a double-blind, random-assignment clinical trial investigating the effects of atorvastatin 80 mg/d for 6 mo on skeletal muscle symptoms. Methods. Central and peripheral arterial pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured and PA levels assessed at baseline and 6 mo in subjects randomized to atorvastatin (n=21, 9 men) or placebo (n=29, 16 men). Results. Baseline participant characteristics, PWV, and PA levels were not different between treatments. Central (means ± SD; 8.7±2.6 to 9.0±2.5 m/sec) and peripheral PWV (9.9±1.3 to 9.8±1.6 m/sec) were unchanged from baseline following atorvastatin treatment (time × drug interaction: P≥0.13). Similarly, PA levels were unaffected by time or treatment. In sex and age adjusted models, baseline levels of PA were not related to changes in PWV with atorvastatin treatment. Conclusion. These data indicate that high-dose atorvastatin treatment for 6 mo does not influence arterial stiffness in healthy adults. Participation in habitual PA did not magnify the vascular effects of statin therapy. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00609063.
Variation of the Lateral Sacral Artery in relation to Sciatic Neuropathy
Authors: Al Talalwah Waseem , Ali Al Dorazi Shorok , Soames Roger
Published: November 2014

The lateral sacral artery usually originates from the posterior trunk of the internal iliac artery. The current study of 342 specimens from 171 cadavers (79 male, 92 female) investigated the origin and course of the lateral sacral artery. It was observed to arise from the posterior trunk in 79.1%. Occasionally it originated from the anterior trunk that occurred in 1%. It arose from the sciatic artery in 8.8%, from the superior gluteal artery in 16.8%, and from the inferior gluteal artery in 5.4%. Conversely, the lateral sacral artery is congenital absence in 0.3%. In addition, the lateral sacral artery was single, double, triple, and quadruple in 77.2%, 19.8%, 2.3%, and 0.3%, respectively. Consequently, variability of the lateral sacral artery origin is due to vascular demand as the lateral sacral artery plexus does arise from the earlier trunk development. With variability of the lateral sacral artery origin, there is a variability of the sciatic nerve supply. Knowing the variability of origins, surgeons have to avoid prolonged ligation of the internal iliac artery or its posterior trunk during surgical procedures which may lead to sciatic neuropathy. Therefore, the lateral sacral artery origin, course, and branches are important for clinicians to improve their knowledge and patient management.
Synthesis and Characterization of Rhodium Doped on TiO2/HCP for Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance on Pentachlorophenol
Authors: Sanni Saheed Olalekan , Idemudia Omoruyi Gold
Published: November 2014

Visible‐light‐responsive material based on Rhodium doped on titanium dispersed on dealuminated clinoptilolite (TiO2/HCP) was synthesized via a combination of the sol‐gel method and photoreductive deposition technique. The photocatalyst surface characterization, structural and optical properties were investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and UV‐visible spectra (UV‐VIS). Doping TiO2/HCP with Rh imparts a red shifting of the absorption band into the visible light region according to UV‐VIS. The prepared composite materials were evaluated for their photocatalytic activities on pentachlorophenol (PCP) degradation under sunlight irradiation. The Rhodium doped TiO2/HCP exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity and can be considered as a potential photocatalyst in wastewater treatment.
Canonical PSO Based K-Means Clustering Approach for Real Datasets
Authors: Dey Lopamudra , Chakraborty Sanjay
Published: November 2014

“Clustering” the significance and application of this technique is spread over various fields. Clustering is an unsupervised process in data mining, that is why the proper evaluation of the results and measuring the compactness and separability of the clusters are important issues. The procedure of evaluating the results of a clustering algorithm is known as cluster validity measure. Different types of indexes are used to solve different types of problems and indices selection depends on the kind of available data. This paper first proposes Canonical PSO based K-means clustering algorithm and also analyses some important clustering indices (intercluster, intracluster) and then evaluates the effects of those indices on real-time air pollution database, wholesale customer, wine, and vehicle datasets using typical K-means, Canonical PSO based K-means, simple PSO based K-means, DBSCAN, and Hierarchical clustering algorithms. This paper also describes the nature of the clusters and finally compares the performances of these clustering algorithms according to the validity assessment. It also defines which algorithm will be more desirable among all these algorithms to make proper compact clusters on this particular real life datasets. It actually deals with the behaviour of these clustering algorithms with respect to validation indexes and represents their results of evaluation in terms of mathematical and graphical forms.
Facile, High Quality Sequencing of Bacterial Genomes from Small Amounts of DNA
Authors: Vuyisich Momchilo , Arefin Ayesha , Davenport Karen , Feng Shihai , Gleasner Cheryl , McMurry Kim , Parson-Quintana Beverly , Price Jennifer , Scholz Matthew , Chain Patrick
Published: November 2014

Sequencing bacterial genomes has traditionally required large amounts of genomic DNA (~1 μg). There have been few studies to determine the effects of the input DNA amount or library preparation method on the quality of sequencing data. Several new commercially available library preparation methods enable shotgun sequencing from as little as 1 ng of input DNA. In this study, we evaluated the NEBNext Ultra library preparation reagents for sequencing bacterial genomes. We have evaluated the utility of NEBNext Ultra for resequencing andde novoassembly of four bacterial genomes and compared its performance with the TruSeq library preparation kit. The NEBNext Ultra reagents enable high quality resequencing andde novoassembly of a variety of bacterial genomes when using 100 ng of input genomic DNA. For the two most challenging genomes (Burkholderiaspp.), which have the highest GC content and are the longest, we also show that the quality of both resequencing andde novoassembly is not decreased when only 10 ng of input genomic DNA is used.
Bi-Bayesian Combined Model for Two-Step Prediction of Dynamic Turning Movement Proportions at Intersections
Authors: Jiao Pengpeng , Liu Meiqi , Guo Jin , Sun Tuo
Published: November 2014

Short-term prediction of dynamic turning movement proportions at intersections is very important for intelligent transportation systems, but it is impossible to detect turning flows directly through current traffic surveillance devices. Existing prediction models have proved to be rather accurate in general, but not precise enough during every time interval, and can only obtain the one-step prediction. This paper first presents a Bayesian combined model to forecast the entering and exiting flows at intersections, by integrating a nonlinear regression, a moving average, and an autoregressive model. Based on the forecasted traffic flows, this paper further develops an accurate backpropagation neural network model and an efficient Kalman filtering model to predict the dynamic turning movement proportions. Using Bayesian method with both historical information and currently prediction results for error adjustment, this paper finally integrates both the above two prediction models and proposes a Bi-Bayesian combined framework to achieve both one-step and two-step predictions. A case study is implemented based on practical survey data, which are collected at an intersection in Beijing city, including both historical and current data. The reported prediction results indicate that the Bi-Bayesian combined model is rather accurate and stable for on-line applications.
Cutting Forces in Milling of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastics
Authors: Sorrentino Luca , Turchetta Sandro
Published: November 2014

The machining of fibre reinforced composites is an important activity for optimal application of these advanced materials into engineering fields. During machining any excessive cutting forces have to be avoided in order to prevent any waste product in the last stages of production cycle. Therefore, the ability to predict the cutting forces is essential to select process parameters necessary for an optimal machining. In this paper the effect of cutting conditions during milling machining on cutting force and surface roughness has been investigated. In particular the cutting force components have been analysed in function of the principal process parameters and of the contact angle. This work proposes experimental models for the determination of cutting force components for CFRP milling.
Malignancy within a Tail Gut Cyst: A Case of Retrorectal Carcinoid Tumour
Authors: Abukar A. A. , Parcell B. J. , Lim C. B. , Patil P. V. , Ramsanahie A. , Carey F. , Steele R. J. C. , Thaha M. A.
Published: November 2014

Purpose.Tailgut cysts with malignant transformation are rare entities. We discuss the diagnostic strategy and treatment of a malignancy within a tailgut cyst.Methods.In this study we report on the case of a 61-year-old man with a malignant neuroendocrine tumour arising within a tailgut cyst and an overview of the literature emphasising the histopathological characteristics and differential diagnosis.Results.Our patient presented with lower back pain, rectal pain, and increased urgency of defecation. MRI scan and CT-guided biopsy on histological analysis revealed a diagnosis of carcinoid tumour of the presacral space. The patient subsequently underwent an abdominoperineal excision of the rectum.Conclusions.This case highlights the importance of tailgut cysts as a differential diagnosis of presacral masses. It is a rare congenital lesion developing from remnants of the embryonic postanal gut and is predominantly benign in nature. Approximately half of cases remain asymptomatic; therefore, diagnosis is often delayed. Magnetic resonance imaging is the investigation of choice and an awareness of the possibility of malignant potential is critical to avoiding missed diagnosis and subsequent morbidity. Complete surgical excision allows accurate diagnosis, confirmation of oncological clearance, and prevention of mortality.
Fasciola hepaticain Some Buffaloes and Cattle by PCR and Microscopy
Authors: Ayaz Sultan , Ullah Riaz , AbdEl-Salam Naser M. , Shams Sumiara , Niaz Sadaf
Published: November 2014

Fasciolosis is the burning problem of the livestock rearing community having huge morbidity, mortality, and economic losses to livestock industries in our country Pakistan. The faecal and liver biopsy samplings were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microscopy technique during the entire study. A total of 307 samples including 149 samples from Karak and 158 samples from Kohat abattoirs were examined by PCR method and overall prevalence of fasciolosis was 5.86% (18/307), amongst theses 8.05% (12/149) in liver biopsy and 3.79% (6/158) in feacal samples of cattle and Buffaloes were recorded. Similarly the microscopy based detection was 3.58% (11/307) including 4.61% (7/149) in liver biopsy and 2.5% (4/158) in faecal samples accordingly. Furthermore the areawise prevalence of fasciolosis in abattoirs by PCR method was found to be 7.59% (12/158) in Kohat and 4.02% (6/149) in Karak. A 618 pb DNA was amplified in 2% agarose gel electrophoreses. It is concluded from the study that prevalence of fasciolosis was higher in abattoir of district Kohat and PCR was a more sensitive method of diagnosis than microscopy.
The Antifibrosis Effects of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptorδon Rat Corneal Wound Healing after Excimer Laser Keratectomy
Authors: Gu Yun , Li Xuan , He Tiangeng , Jiang Zhixin , Hao Peng , Tang Xin
Published: November 2014

Corneal stromal fibrosis characterized by myofibroblasts and abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM) is usually the result of inappropriate wound healing. The present study tested the hypothesis that the ligand activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)δhad antifibrosis effects in a rat model of corneal damage. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats underwent bilateral phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). The eyes were randomized into four groups: PBS, GW501516 (a selective agonist of PPARδ), GSK3787 (a selective antagonist of PPARδ), or GW501516 combined with GSK3787. The agents were subconjunctivally administered twice a week until sacrifice. The cellular aspects of corneal wound healing were evaluated with in vivo confocal imaging and postmortem histology. A myofibroblast marker (α-smooth muscle actin) and ECM production (fibronectin, collagen type III and collagen type I) were examined by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. At the early stages of wound healing, GW501516 inhibited reepithelialization and promoted angiogenesis. During the remodeling phase of wound healing, GW501516 attenuated the activation and proliferation of keratocytes, which could be reversed by GSK3787. GW501516 decreased transdifferentiation from keratocytes into myofibroblasts, ECM synthesis, and corneal haze. These results demonstrate that GW501516 controls corneal fibrosis and suggest that PPARδmay potentially serve as a therapeutic target for treating corneal scars.
In Vivo and In Vitro Antitumor Effects of Platycodin D, a Saponin Purified from Platycodi Radix on the H520 Lung Cancer Cell
Authors: Park Jae Chan , Lee Young Joon , Choi Hae Yun , Shin Yong Kook , Kim Jong Dae , Ku Sae Kwang
Published: November 2014

Platycodin D is a major pharmacological constituent of Platycodi radix and has showed various pharmacological activities through oxidative stress defense mechanisms. Here, possible antitumor, anticachexia, and immunomodulatory activities of platycodin D were observed on the H520 tumor cell‐bearing athymic nude mice after confirming the in vitro cytotoxicity. Platycodin D was orally administered at dose levels of 200, 100, and 50 mg/kg, once a day for 35 days from 15 days after implantation. The results were compared with gemcitabine 160 mg/kg intraperitoneally treated mice (7‐day intervals). Platycodin D showed favorable cytotoxic effects on the H520 cells, and also dose‐dependently decreased the tumor volumes and weights with increases of apoptotic cells (caspase‐3 and PARP immunopositive cells), iNOS and TNF‐α immunoreactivities, decreases of COX‐2 immunoreactivities in tumor masses. Platycodin D also showed dose‐dependent immunostimulatory and anticachexia effects. Gemcitabine showed favorable cytotoxity against H520 tumor cell and related in vivo antitumor effects but aggravated the cancer related cachexia and immunosuppress in H520 tumor cell‐bearing athymic nude mice. Taken together, it is considered that oral treatment of platycodin D has potent antitumor activities on H520 cells through direct cytotoxic effects, increases of apoptosis in tumor cells, and immunostimulatory effects and can be control cancer related cachexia.
Study on Multicharacteristic of Antirotation Wire Rope Based on Linear Stiffness Coefficient
Authors: Xia Jishan , Cao Guohua , Wang Yandong , Peng Weihong
Published: November 2014

In order to design antirotation wire rope, while considering the control of the axial strain and flexibility, the requirements that make the wire rope antirotation while making the axial strain little and flexibility excellent were presented. The relationship between axial force and twisting moment of wire rope with axial and rotational strain was given according to the linear stiffness coefficient. It was concluded that the twisting moment and axial strain under tensile load only depend on wire rope's geometry parameters which consist of helical angle and wire diameter. And the expression of bending stiffness was given. Through the analysis of an example, we find that the outer strand has a stronger effect on the tensile, torsional, and bending stiffness. And the closer the strand's helical angle is to 90°, the bigger the tensile stiffness and the bending stiffness are. The helical angles that give consideration to all the three stiffness coefficients can be found. These can be used for reference when designing antirotation wire rope.
A Dynamic Analysis for an Anaerobic Digester: Stability and Bifurcation Branches
Authors: Rincón Alejandro , Villa Julieta , Angulo Fabiola , Olivar Gerard
Published: November 2014

This work presents a dynamic analysis for an anaerobic digester, supported on the analytical application of the indirect Lyapunov method. The mass‐balance model considered is based on two biological reaction pathways and involves both Monod and Haldane representations of the specific biomass growth rates. The dilution rate, the influent concentration of chemical oxygen demand (COD), and the influent concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) are considered as stability parameters. Several characteristics are determined analytically for the normal operation equilibrium point: (i) equilibrium coordinates, (ii) parameter conditions that lead to positive values of the equilibrium state variables, (iii) parameter conditions for locally stable nature of the equilibrium, (iv) coordinates for the local bifurcation points—fold and transcritical—, and (v) coordinates of the crossing between bifurcation points. These factors are computed analytically and explicitly as expressions of the dilution rate and the influent concentrations of COD and VFA.
Hypertrophic Scar Formation on Application of Terpenoid Fraction of Tuberous Root ofMirabilis jalapaL. on Excision Wound Model in Wistar Albino Rats
Authors: Gogoi Jyotchna , Nakhuru Khonamai Sewa , Chattopadhayay Pronobesh , Kumar Rai Ashok , Veer Vijay
Published: November 2014

The study was designed to evaluate the effects of hydromethanolic extract of tuberous root ofM. jalapaand its terpenoid and flavonoid fractions on cutaneous wound healing in Wistar Albino rats. The hydromethanolic extract was subfractionated by sequential extraction in solvents (moderately nonpolar to polar). The extract and its (terpenoid and flavonoid) fractions were used for cutaneous wound healing studies by using excision wound model on rat. Their effects on wound contraction rate, biochemical and histological changes, and expression of growth factors such as collagen 3A, basic fibroblast growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor were investigated. The results indicated that flavonoid treated group showed significant decrease (P<0.05) in antioxidant enzyme level as compared to control in wound healing process, whereas terpenoid fraction showed significant increase (P<0.05) in expression of growth factor levels but regeneration and remodeling stages were delayed due to formation of thicker ulcus layer and also there were no hair follicle-like blood capillaries formation which ultimately may lead to formation of hypertrophic scar of wound. Therefore, from this study, it can be concluded that terpenoid fraction prolongs proliferation phase and hence may have tendency to convert the wound into hypertrophic wound.
Electricity Generation and Energy Cost Estimation of Large-Scale Wind Turbines in Jarandagh, Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Kasra , Mostafaeipour Ali , Dinpashoh Yagob , Pouya Nima
Published: November 2014

Currently, wind energy utilization is being continuously growing so that it is regarded as a large contender of conventional fossil fuels. This study aimed at evaluating the feasibility of electricity generation using wind energy in Jarandagh situated in Qazvin Province in north-west part of Iran. The potential of wind energy in Jarandagh was investigated by analyzing the measured wind speed data between 2008 and 2009 at 40 m height. The electricity production and economic evaluation of four large-scale wind turbine models for operation at 70 m height were examined. The results showed that Jarandagh enjoys excellent potential for wind energy exploitation in 8 months of the year. The monthly wind power at 70 m height was in the range of 450.28–1661.62 W/m2, and also the annual wind power was 754.40 W/m2. The highest capacity factor was obtained using Suzlon S66/1.25 MW turbine model, while, in terms of electricity generation, Repower MM82/2.05 MW model showed the best performance with total annual energy output of 5705 MWh. The energy cost estimation results convincingly demonstrated that investing on wind farm construction using all nominated turbines is economically feasible and, among all turbines, Suzlon S66/1.25 MW model with energy cost of 0.0357 $/kWh is a better option.
Method to Determine Pedestrian Level of Service for the Overall Unsignalized Midblock Crossings of Road Segments
Authors: Zhao Lin , Bian Yang , Lu Jian , Rong Jian
Published: November 2014

This paper aims at developing a pedestrian level of service (LOS) model for the overall unsignalized midblock crossings of road segments from the perspective of the pedestrian's perception of safety and convenience in Chinese midblock crossing environment. Firstly, the potential primary factors influencing pedestrian LOS at unsignalized midblock crosswalks were summarized from four respects: traffic conflicts, the distance between crosswalks, crossing facilities, and delay. Secondly, 948 participants’ real-time sense of safety and convenience when they were crossing the 30 selected unsignalized midblock crosswalks and the design and operational characteristics of the selected road segments were collected. The selected midblock crosswalks were typical of those prevalent in the medium-sized urban areas of China, and the participants of questionnaire survey covered a broad cross section of Chinese population of pedestrians. Finally, Pearson correlation analysis and stepwise regression analysis were carried out to develop pedestrian LOS model for the overall unsignalized midblock crossings of road segments. The results revealed that the factors significantly influencing pedestrian LOS of the overall unsignalized midblock crossings of road segments included volume of two-way motor vehicle, the distance between marked midblock crosswalks, and the distance between unmarked crosswalks. A reliable, statistically calibrated pedestrian LOS model was developed ( R2 = 0.80).
Fabrication of Novel 2D NiO Nanosheet Branched on 1D‐ZnO Nanorod Arrays for Gas Sensor Application
Authors: Hoa Le Thuy , Tien Huynh Ngoc , Hur Seung Hyun
Published: November 2014

Fabrication of 3D structures composed of 1D n‐type ZnO nanorods (NRs) and 2D p‐type NiO nanosheets (NSs) by a low‐cost, low‐temperature, and large‐area scalable hydrothermal process and its use in highly sensitive NO2 gas sensors were studied. The p‐n heterojunctions formed by NiO‐ZnO interfaces as well as large area two‐dimensional NiO NSs themselves increased the adsorption of NO2. Moreover, the charge transfer between NiO and ZnO enhanced the responsivity and sensitivity of NO2 sensing even at a concentration of 1 ppm. The 30‐min NiO NS growth on ZnO NRs in the hybrid sensor showed the highest sensitivity due to the formation of optimum p‐n heterojunctions between ZnO NRs and NiO NSs for gas adsorption and carrier transport. Low responsivity toward reducing gases was also observed.
Sex Differences and Menstrual Cycle Phase-Dependent Modulation of Craving for Cigarette: An fMRI Pilot Study
Authors: Mendrek Adrianna , Dinh-Williams Laurence , Bourque Josiane , Potvin Stéphane
Published: November 2014

While overall more men than women smoke cigarettes, women and girls take less time to become dependent after initial use and have more difficulties quitting the habit. One of the factors contributing to these differences may be that women crave cigarettes more than men and that their desire to smoke is influenced by hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was twofold: (a) to examine potential sex/gender differences in functional neuroanatomy of craving and to (b) delineate neural correlates of cigarette cravings in women across their menstrual cycle. Fifteen tobacco-smoking men and 19 women underwent a functional MRI during presentation of neutral and smoking-related images, known to elicit craving. Women were tested twice: once during early follicular phase and once during midluteal phase of their menstrual cycle. The analysis did not reveal any significant sex differences in the cerebral activations associated with craving. Nevertheless, the pattern of activations in women varied across their menstrual cycle with significant activations in parts of the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobe, during follicular phase, and only limited activations in the right hippocampus during the luteal phase.