bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome Associated with Pneumonia: A Case Report of a 16-Year-Old Male Patient
Authors: Yilmaz Süreyya , Topcu Fusun , Selimoglu Sen Hadice , Yildirim Yasar , Yilmaz Zülfükar , Kara Ali Veysel , Akgul Ozmen Cihan
Published: March 2015

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterised by arterial and/or venous thrombosis and/or recurrent pregnancy loss in the presence of antiphospholipid (APL) antibodies. It is evaluated as APS when it develops associated with other systemic autoimmune diseases or primary APS if there is no concomitant disorder. In this study, we present a case of a 16-year-old male patient with primary APS. The patient was admitted with presumptive diagnosis of pneumonia, but multiple pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) was observed on computerized tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography. APL antibodies positivity and thrombocytopenia developed in our patient. The patient was evaluated as primary APS since another etiology that could explain PTE was not found. Primary APS is a rare disease in children along with adolescents, compared with APS associated with other systemic autoimmune diseases. We present here a young male patient with primary APS and PTE to contribute to the literature. The patient initially had pneumonia but later developed PTE and thrombocytopenia.
Interactions between Phosphoric/Tannic Acid and Different Forms of FeOOH
Authors: Mei Lefu , Liao Libing , Wang Zise , Xu Chunchun
Published: March 2015

Alpha, beta, gamma, and delta hydroxyl ferric oxides (FeOOH), as the most common rust layers on iron surface, play different roles in iron preservation. Using modern surface analysis technologies such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectra (IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we studied the interactions between these four types of synthetic FeOOH and phosphoric and tannic acid of different concentrations and proportions. A 3% tannic acid + 10% phosphoric acid + FeOOH was the most suitable formula for rust stabilizer and its reaction products were made up of iron phosphate and chelate of iron and tannin. This research provided technical basis in distinguishing FeOOH and selecting rust layer stabilizer for the preservation of iron, especially iron cultural relics.
The Electrical Activity of the Temporal and Masseter Muscles in Patients with TMD and Unilateral Posterior Crossbite
Authors: Woźniak Krzysztof , Szyszka-Sommerfeld Liliana , Lichota Damian
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of unilateral posterior crossbite on the electrical activity of the temporal and masseter muscles in patients with subjective symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunctions (TMD). The sample consisted of 50 patients (22 female and 28 male) aged 18.4 to 26.3 years (mean 20.84, SD 1.14) with subjective symptoms of TMD and unilateral posterior crossbite malocclusion and 100 patients without subjective symptoms of TMD and malocclusion (54 female and 46 male) aged between 18.4 and 28.7 years (mean 21.42, SD 1.06). The anamnestic interviews were conducted according to a three-point anamnestic index of temporomandibular dysfunction (Ai). Electromyographical (EMG) recordings were performed using a DAB-Bluetooth Instrument (Zebris Medical GmbH, Germany). Recordings were carried out in the mandibular rest position and during maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Analysis of the results of the EMG recordings confirmed the influence of unilateral posterior crossbite on variations in spontaneous muscle activity in the mandibular rest position and maximum voluntary contraction. In addition, there was a significant increase in the Asymmetry Index (As) and Torque Coefficient (Tc), responsible for a laterodeviating effect on the mandible caused by unbalanced right and left masseter and temporal muscles.
Effect of Pentoxifylline on Microalbuminuria in Diabetic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shahidi Shahrzad , Hoseinbalam Marziyeh , Iraj Bijan , Akbari Mojtaba
Published: March 2015

Background. Pentoxifylline is a nonspecific phosphodiesterase inhibitor with anti-inflammatory properties. Human studies have proved its antiproteinuric effect in patients with glomerular diseases, but this study was designed to assess the effects of add-on pentoxifylline to available treatment on reduction of microalbuminuria in diabetic patients without glomerular diseases.Methods. In a double-blind placebo-controlled, randomized study we evaluated the influence of pentoxifylline on microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients. 40 diabetic patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of more than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2in eight weeks and microalbuminuria were randomized to two groups which will receive pentoxifylline 1200 mg/day or placebo added to regular medications for 6 months. albuminuria; eGFR was evaluated at three- and six-month follow-up period.Results. Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. At six months, the mean estimated GFR and albuminuria were not different between two groups at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Trend of albumin to creatinine ratio, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and eGFR in both groups were decreased, but no significant differences were noted between two groups (Pvalue > 0.05).Conclusion. Pentoxifylline has not a significant additive antimicroalbuminuric effect compared with placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes with early stage of kidney disease; however, further clinical investigations are necessary to be done.
Muscle Fatigue in the Temporal and Masseter Muscles in Patients with Temporomandibular Dysfunction
Authors: Woźniak Krzysztof , Lipski Mariusz , Lichota Damian , Szyszka-Sommerfeld Liliana
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study is to evaluate muscle fatigue in the temporal and masseter muscles in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Two hundred volunteers aged 19.3 to 27.8 years (mean 21.50, SD 0.97) participated in this study. Electromyographical (EMG) recordings were performed using a DAB-Bluetooth Instrument (Zebris Medical GmbH, Germany). Muscle fatigue was evaluated on the basis of a maximum effort test. The test was performed during a 10-second maximum isometric contraction (MVC) of the jaws. An analysis of changes in the mean power frequency of the two pairs of temporal and masseter muscles (MPF%) revealed significant differences in the groups of patients with varying degrees of temporomandibular disorders according to Di (P<0.0000). The study showed an increase in the muscle fatigue of the temporal and masseter muscles correlated with the intensity of temporomandibular dysfunction symptoms in patients. The use of surface electromyography in assessing muscle fatigue is an excellent diagnostic tool for identifying patients with temporomandibular dysfunction.
Propagation Measurement on Earth-Sky Signal Effects for High Speed Train Satellite Channel in Tropical Region at Ku-Band
Authors: Al-Jumaily Abdulmajeed H. J. , Sali A. , Mandeep J. S. , Ismail Alyani
Published: March 2015

Recent advances in satellite communication technologies in the tropical regions have led to significant increase in the demand for services and applications that require high channel quality for mobile satellite terminals. Determination and quantification of these requirements are important to optimize service quality, particularly in the Malaysian region. Moreover, the tests on current satellite propagation models were carried out at temperate regions whose environmental characteristics are much different from those in Malaysia. This difference renders these propagation models inapplicable and irrelevant to tropical regions in general. This paper presents the link characteristics observations and performance analysis with propagation measurements done in tropical region to provide an accurate database regarding rain and power arches supply (PAs) attenuations in the tropics for mobile scenarios. Hence, an extension for improving the performance assessment and analysis of satellite/transmission has been achieved. The Malaysia propagation measurement for mobile scenario (Malaysia-PMMS) enables first-hand coarse estimation and attenuation analysis, because the attenuation resulting from rain and PAs becomes easily amenable for measurement. Parallel to that, the measured attenuation has been compared with that of the simulated output at noise floor level. The underlying analytical tool is validated by measurements specific at tropical region, for dynamic model of mobile satellite links operating at higher than 10 GHz.
Integrating Reconfigurable Hardware‐Based Grid for High Performance Computing
Authors: Dondo Gazzano Julio , Sanchez Molina Francisco , Rincon Fernando , López Juan Carlos
Published: March 2015

FPGAs have shown several characteristics that make them very attractive for high performance computing (HPC). The impressive speed‐up factors that they are able to achieve, the reduced power consumption, and the easiness and flexibility of the design process with fast iterations between consecutive versions are examples of benefits obtained with their use. However, there are still some difficulties when using reconfigurable platforms as accelerator that need to be addressed: the need of an in‐depth application study to identify potential acceleration, the lack of tools for the deployment of computational problems in distributed hardware platforms, and the low portability of components, among others. This work proposes a complete grid infrastructure for distributed high performance computing based on dynamically reconfigurable FPGAs. Besides, a set of services designed to facilitate the application deployment is described. An example application and a comparison with other hardware and software implementations are shown. Experimental results show that the proposed architecture offers encouraging advantages for deployment of high performance distributed applications simplifying development process.
Reliability-Based Robust Design Optimization of Structures Considering Uncertainty in Design Variables
Authors: Wang Shujuan , Li Qiuyang , Savage Gordon J.
Published: March 2015

This paper investigates the structural design optimization to cover both the reliability and robustness under uncertainty in design variables. The main objective is to improve the efficiency of the optimization process. To address this problem, a hybrid reliability-based robust design optimization (RRDO) method is proposed. Prior to the design optimization, the Sobol sensitivity analysis is used for selecting key design variables and providing response variance as well, resulting in significantly reduced computational complexity. The single-loop algorithm is employed to guarantee the structural reliability, allowing fast optimization process. In the case of robust design, the weighting factor balances the response performance and variance with respect to the uncertainty in design variables. The main contribution of this paper is that the proposed method applies the RRDO strategy with the usage of global approximation and the Sobol sensitivity analysis, leading to the reduced computational cost. A structural example is given to illustrate the performance of the proposed method.
Fas/FasL Pathway Participates in Regulation of Antiviral and Inflammatory Response during Mousepox Infection of Lungs
Authors: Bień Karolina , Sokołowska Justyna , Bąska Piotr , Nowak Zuzanna , Stankiewicz Wanda , Krzyzowska Malgorzata
Published: March 2015

Fas receptor‐Fas ligand (FasL) signalling is involved in apoptosis of immune cells as well as of the virus infected target cells but increasing evidence accumulates on Fas as a mediator of apoptosis‐independent processes such as induction of activating and proinflammatory signals. In this study, we examined the role of Fas/FasL pathway in inflammatory and antiviral response in lungs using a mousepox model applied to C57BL6/J, B6. MRL‐Faslpr/J, and B6Smn.C3‐Faslgld/J mice. Ectromelia virus (ECTV) infection of Fas‐ and FasL‐deficient mice led to increased virus titers in lungs and decreased migration of IFN‐γ expressing NK cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and decreased IL‐15 expression. The lungs of ECTV‐infected Fas‐ and FasL‐deficient mice showed significant inflammation during later phases of infection accompanied by decreased expression of anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 and TGF‐β1 cytokines and disturbances in CXCL1 and CXCL9 expression. Experiments in vitro demonstrated that ECTV‐infected cultures of epithelial cells, but not macrophages, upregulate Fas and FasL and are susceptible to Fas‐induced apoptosis. Our study demonstrates that Fas/FasL pathway during ECTV infection of the lungs plays an important role in controlling local inflammatory response and mounting of antiviral response.
The Advances in Research on the Pharmacological Effects ofFructus Ligustri Lucidi
Authors: Pang Zunting , Zhi-yan Zhou , Wang Wei , Ma Yanni , Feng-ju Niu , Zhang Xuelan , Han Chunchao
Published: March 2015

Fructus Ligustri Lucidiis a well-known invigorator in Chinese materia medica with hepatoprotective effect, anticancer activity, antioxidant activity, and so on. And oleanolic acids are the major pharmacologically active components inFructus Ligustri Lucidi. So it has great value in medical health, and may be developed to a complementary and alternative medicine through further research. In this paper, the advances in research on pharmacological effects ofFructus Ligustri Lucidiwere summarized by reviewing the recent related literature.
Production and Characterization of Biodiesel Using Nonedible Castor Oil by Immobilized Lipase fromBacillus aerius
Authors: Narwal Sunil Kumar , Saun Nitin Kumar , Dogra Priyanka , Chauhan Ghanshyam , Gupta Reena
Published: March 2015

A novel thermotolerant lipase fromBacillus aeriuswas immobilized on inexpensive silica gel matrix. The immobilized lipase was used for the synthesis of biodiesel using castor oil as a substrate in a solvent free system at 55°C under shaking in a chemical reactor. Several crucial parameters affecting biodiesel yield such as incubation time, temperature, substrate molar ratio, and amount of lipase were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the highest biodiesel yield was up to 78.13%. The characterization of synthesized biodiesel was done through FTIR spectroscopy,1H NMR spectra, and gas chromatography.
Hydrogen‐Rich Saline Protects against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Grafts after Pancreas Transplantations by Reducing Oxidative Stress in Rats
Authors: Luo Zhu-Lin , Cheng Long , Ren Jian-Dong , Fang Chen , Xiang Ke , Xu Hao-Tong , Tang Li-Jun , Wang Tao , Tian Fu-Zhou
Published: March 2015

Purpose. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of hydrogen‐rich saline on pancreatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Methods. Eighty heterotopic pancreas transplantations (HPT) were performed in syngenic rats. The receptors were randomized blindly into the following three groups: the HPT group and two groups that underwent transplantation and administration of hydrogen‐rich saline (HS, >0.6 mM, 6 mL/kg) or normal saline (NS, 6 mL/kg) via the tail vein at the beginning of reperfusion (HPT + HS group, HPT + NS group). Samples from the pancreas and blood were taken at 12 hours after reperfusion. The protective effects of hydrogen‐rich saline against I/R injury were evaluated by determining the changes in histopathology and measuring serological parameters, oxidative stress‐associated molecules, and proinflammatory cytokines. Results. Administration of hydrogen‐rich saline produced notable protection against pancreatic I/R injury in rats. Histopathological improvements and recovery of impaired pancreatic function were observed. In addition, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 were reduced markedly in the HPT + HS group. Additionally, there were noticeable inhibitory effects on the pancreatic malondialdehyde level and considerable recruitment of SOD and GPx, which are antioxidants. Conclusion. Hydrogen‐rich saline treatment significantly attenuated the severity of pancreatic I/R injury in rats, possibly by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
A Branch and Bound Algorithm and Iterative Reordering Strategies for Inserting Additional Trains in Real Time: A Case Study in Germany
Authors: Tan Yuyan , Jiang Zhibin
Published: March 2015

With the aim of supporting the process of adapting railway infrastructure and future traffic needs, we have developed a method to insert additional trains efficiently to an existing timetable without introducing large consecutive delays to scheduled trains. In this work, the problem is characterized as a job-shop scheduling problem. In order to meet the limited time requirement and minimize deviations to the existing timetable, the modification that consists of retiming or reordering trains is implemented if and only if it potentially leads to a better solution. With these issues in mind, the problem of adding train paths is decomposed into two subproblems. One is finding the optimal insertion for a fixed order timetable and the other is reordering trains. The two subproblems are solved iteratively until no improvement is possible within a time limit of computation. An innovative branch and bound algorithm and iterative reordering strategy are proposed to solve this problem in real time. Unoccupied capacities are utilized as primary resources for additional trains and the transfer connections for passengers can be guaranteed in the new timetable. From numerical investigations, the proposed framework and associated techniques are tested and shown to be effective.
Analysis of Environmental Stress Factors Using an Artificial Growth System and Plant Fitness Optimization
Authors: Lee Meonghun , Yoe Hyun
Published: March 2015

The environment promotes evolution. Evolutionary processes represent environmental adaptations over long time scales; evolution of crop genomes is not inducible within the relatively short time span of a human generation. Extreme environmental conditions can accelerate evolution, but such conditions are often stress inducing and disruptive. Artificial growth systems can be used to induce and select genomic variation by changing external environmental conditions, thus, accelerating evolution. By using cloud computing and big-data analysis, we analyzed environmental stress factors forPleurotus ostreatusby assessing, evaluating, and predicting information of the growth environment. Through the indexing of environmental stress, the growth environment can be precisely controlled and developed into a technology for improving crop quality and production.
Measurement of Liver Iron Concentration by MRI Is Reproducible
Authors: Alústiza José María , Emparanza José I. , Castiella Agustín , Casado Alfonso , Garrido Adolfo , Aldazábal Pablo , San Vicente Manuel , Garcia Nerea , Asensio Ana Belén , Banales Jesús , Salvador Emma , Moyua Aranzazu , Arozena Xabier , Zarco Miguel , Jauregui Lourdes , Vicente Ohiana
Published: March 2015

Purpose. The objectives were (i) construction of a phantom to reproduce the behavior of iron overload in the liver by MRI and (ii) assessment of the variability of a previously validated method to quantify liver iron concentration between different MRI devices using the phantom and patients.Materials and Methods. A phantom reproducing the liver/muscle ratios of two patients with intermediate and high iron overload. Nine patients with different levels of iron overload were studied in 4 multivendor devices and 8 of them were studied twice in the machine where the model was developed. The phantom was analysed in the same equipment and 14 times in the reference machine.Results. FeCl3solutions containing 0.3, 0.5, 0.6, and 1.2 mg Fe/mL were chosen to generate the phantom. The average of the intramachine variability for patients was 10% and for the intermachines 8%. For the phantom the intramachine coefficient of variation was always below 0.1 and the average of intermachine variability was 10% for moderate and 5% for high iron overload.Conclusion. The phantom reproduces the behavior of patients with moderate or high iron overload. The proposed method of calculating liver iron concentration is reproducible in several different 1.5 T systems.
Disturbance Observer Based Control of Multirotor Helicopters Based on a Universal Model with Unstructured Uncertainties
Authors: Xie Ye , Cao Yunfeng , Wang Biao , Ding Meng
Published: March 2015

To handle different perspectives of unstructured uncertainties, two robust control techniques on the basis of a universal model are studied in this paper. Rather than building a model only applicable to a specific small-scale multirotor helicopter (MHeli), the paper proposes a modeling technique to develop a universal model-framework. Particularly, it is straightforward to apply the universal model to a certain MHeli because the contribution and allocation matrix is proposed in the model-framework. Based on the model uncertainties, the load perturbation of the rotor is the primary focus due to its indispensable importance in the tracking performance. In contrast to the common methods, it is proposed to take this unstructured uncertainty in that external disturbance and designs disturbance observer (DOB). In addition, a class of lead-compensator is specifically designed as for compensating phase lag induced by DOB. Compared withH∞loop-shaping, greater robust tracking performance on rejecting load perturbation could be achieved as a tradeoff between robust stability and tracking performance which is successfully avoided with DOB-based control strategy.
Meso-Alpha Scale Tropospheric Interactions within the Western Mediterranean Basin: Statistical Results Using 15-Year NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis Dataset
Authors: Palau J. L. , Rovira F.
Published: March 2015

After a 15-year average of the reanalyses meteorological data provided by NCEP/NCAR, this paper shows the mean seasonal evolution, between April and October, of the tropospheric dynamics in the Western Mediterranean Basin (WMB). As shown in this paper, it is the result of the meso-alpha interaction between the daily oscillation of coastal thermally driven circulations around the basin and the daily pulsation of sinking speeds over areas of the Western Mediterranean Sea. Furthermore, from the 15-year average, a statistically significant correlation has been found between these processes (the daily oscillation of sea breezes and the daily pulsation of subsidence/convergence on the WMB). The quantification of this persistent link between these tropospheric processes elucidates their teleconnection at the meso-alpha scale and the seasonal evolution of the strength of this linkage. Test statistics are greater than critical values for the 5% significance level of the F-distribution. Besides, we have estimated a generalised diurnal compensatory subsidence over the Western Mediterranean Sea with a maximum mean sinking (subsidence) motion of up to −0.2 cm/s at 18:00 h UTC and 1000 hPa and a nocturnal generalised mean upward (convergence) motion of up to 0.05 cm/s at 00:00 h UTC and 1000 hPa.
Recurrent Febrile Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia in a Chronic Cocaine User: A Case of Levamisole Induced Complications
Authors: Martinez Eduardo , Alvi Raza , Venkatram Sindhaghatta , Diaz-Fuentes Gilda
Published: March 2015

Cocaine is used by approximately 1.5 million Americans each month and up to 69% of the cocaine seized contains levamisole. The real incidence of cocaine-levamisole induced neutropenia is unclear but probably underestimated. Associated complications include fever, thrombocytopenia, skin-vasculitis disorders, and rarely kidney injury. We present a young male, with chronic active cocaine use presenting with recurrent episodes of febrile neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. He underwent extensive work-up and was treated with many antibiotics and we suspect that his neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were caused by recurrent cocaine-levamisole use.
Fever of Unknown Origin: An Unusual Presentation of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease
Authors: Ranjan Piyush , Soneja Manish , Subramonian Nellai Krishnan , Kumar Vivek , Ganguly Shuvadeep , Kumar Tarun , Singh Geetika
Published: March 2015

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is a rare, benign, and self-limiting condition that mostly affects young females. Cervical lymphadenopathy with fever is the most common presentation of the disease. It may have unusual presentations that can lead to diagnostic dilemma and delay in diagnosis. We report a case of a 25-year-old female who presented with relapsing fever and cervical lymphadenopathy. Because of atypical presentation, there was a delay in diagnosis and increase in morbidity. High index of suspicion with collaboration between clinicians and pathologists is essential for early and accurate diagnosis of the disease.
Antifungal and Antibacterial Metabolites from a French Poplar Type Propolis
Authors: Boisard Séverine , Le Ray Anne-Marie , Landreau Anne , Kempf Marie , Cassisa Viviane , Flurin Catherine , Richomme Pascal
Published: March 2015

During this study, thein vitroantifungal and antibacterial activities of different extracts (aqueous and organic) obtained from a French propolis batch were evaluated. Antifungal activity was evaluated by broth microdilution on three pathogenic strains:Candida albicans, C. glabrata, andAspergillus fumigatus. Antibacterial activity was assayed using agar dilution method on 36 Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains includingStaphylococcus aureus. Organic extracts showed a significant antifungal activity againstC. albicansandC. glabrata(MIC80between 16 and 31 µg/mL) but only a weak activity towardsA. fumigatus(MIC80= 250 µg/mL). DCM based extracts exhibited a selective Gram-positive antibacterial activity, especially againstS. aureus(SA) and several of its methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) strains (MIC10030–97 µg/mL). A new and active derivative of catechin was also identified whereas a synergistic antimicrobial effect was noticed during this study.
Antidiabetic and Renoprotective Effects ofCladophora glomerataKützing Extract in Experimental Type 2 Diabetic Rats: A Potential Nutraceutical Product for Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Srimaroeng Chutima , Ontawong Atcharaporn , Saowakon Naruwan , Vivithanaporn Pornpun , Pongchaidecha Anchalee , Amornlerdpison Doungporn , Soodvilai Sunhapas , Chatsudthipong Varanuj
Published: March 2015

Cladophora glomerataextract (CGE) has been shown to exhibit antigastric ulcer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hypotensive, and antioxidant activities. The present study investigated antidiabetic and renoprotective effects of CGE in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. The rats were induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin and supplemented daily with 1 g/kg BW of CGE for 12 weeks. The renal transport function was assessed by the uptake ofpara-aminohippurate mediated organic anion transporters 1 (Oat1) and 3 (Oat3), using renal cortical slices. These two transporters were known to be upregulated by insulin and PKCζwhile they were downregulated by PKCαactivation. Compared to T2DM, CGE supplemented rats had significantly improved hyperglycaemia, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance, and renal morphology. The baseline uptake ofpara-aminohippurate was not different among experimental groups and was correlated with Oat1 and 3 mRNA expressions. Nevertheless, while insulin-stimulated Oat1 and 3 functions in renal slices were blunted in T2DM rats, they were improved by CGE supplementation. The mechanism of CGE-restored insulin-stimulated Oat1 and 3 functions was clearly shown to be associated with upregulated PKCζand downregulated PKCαexpressions and activations. These findings indicate that CGE has antidiabetic effect and suggest it may prevent diabetic nephropathy through PKCs in a T2DM rat model.
Routing Protocols for Vehicular Delay Tolerant Networks: A Survey
Authors: Kang Hyunwoo , Ahmed Syed Hassan , Kim Dongkyun , Chung Yun-Su
Published: March 2015

Recently, the delay tolerant networks (DTN) have been utilized in various operational communication paradigms. This includes the communication scenarios that are subject to disruption and disconnection as well as the scenarios with high delay and frequent partitioning, that is, vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs). Due to the several characteristics match, new research paradigm named as vehicular delay tolerant networks (VDTNs) is introduced. Through relays and store-carry-forward mechanisms, messages in VDTNs can be delivered to the destination without an end-to-end connection for delay-tolerant applications. However, the choice of routing algorithms in VDTNs is still under study. The main objective of routing protocols in VDTNs is to maximize the probability of delivery at the destination while minimizing the end-to-end delay. Until now, many routing protocols have been proposed to meet requirements of varying applications. In this paper, we, therefore, provide a detailed study of recently proposed routing schemes for VDTNs. We also perform comparative analysis on the basis of unique criterion such as forwarding metrics with their implementations. In addition, open challenges and future directions are provided to make room of interest for the research community.
Metformin Treatment in Type 2 Diabetes in Pregnancy: An Active Controlled, Parallel-Group, Randomized, Open Label Study in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Pregnancy
Authors: Ainuddin Jahan Ara , Karim Nasim , Zaheer Sidra , Ali Syed Sanwer , Hasan Anjum Ara
Published: March 2015

Aims.To assess the effect of metformin and to compare it with insulin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes in pregnancy in terms of perinatal outcome, maternal complications, additional insulin requirement, and treatment acceptability.Methods.In this randomized, open label study, 206 patients with type 2 diabetes in pregnancy who met the eligibility criteria were selected from the antenatal clinics. Insulin was added to metformin treatment when required, to maintain the target glycemic control. The patients were followed up till delivery. Maternal, and perinatal outcomes and pharmacotherapeutic characteristics were recorded on a proforma.Results.Maternal characteristics were comparable in metformin and insulin treated group. 84.9% patients in metformin group required add-on insulin therapy at mean gestational age of 26.58 ± 3.85 weeks. Less maternal weight gain(P<0.001)and pregnancy induced hypertension(P=0.029)were observed in metformin treated group. Small for date babies were more in metformin group(P<0.01). Neonatal hypoglycemia was significantly less and so was NICU stay of >24 hours in metformin group(P<0.01). Significant reduction in cost of treatment was found in metformin group.Conclusion.Metformin alone or with add-on insulin is an effective and cheap treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes in pregnancy. This trial is registered with clinical trial registration number: Clinical trials.govNCT01855763.
Modeling and Design of Graphene GaAs Junction Solar Cell
Authors: Kuang Yawei , Liu Yushen , Ma Yulong , Xu Jing , Yang Xifeng , Hong Xuekun , Feng Jinfu
Published: March 2015

Graphene based GaAs junction solar cell is modeled and investigated by Silvaco TCAD tools. The photovoltaic behaviors have been investigated considering structure and process parameters such as substrate thickness, dependence between graphene work function and transmittance, and n-type doping concentration in GaAs. The results show that the most effective region for photo photogenerated carriers locates very close to the interface under light illumination. Comprehensive technological design for junction yields a significant improvement of power conversion efficiency from 0.772% to 2.218%. These results are in good agreement with the reported experimental work.
A Voronoi-Based Location Privacy-Preserving Method for Continuous Query in LBS
Authors: Ma Chunguang , Zhou Changli , Yang Songtao
Published: March 2015

Most of the mobile phones have GPS sensors which make location based service (LBS) applicable. LBS brings not only convenience but also location privacy leak to us. Achieving anonymity and sending private queries are two main privacy-preserving courses in LBS. A novel location privacy-preserving method is proposed based on Voronoi graph partition on road networks. Firstly, based on the prediction of a user's moving direction, a cooperative k-anonymity method is proposed without constructing cloaking regions which may lead to efficiency decline in continuous query. And then, a query algorithm is proposed without providing any user's actual location, replaced by continuous anchor sequence, to LBS provider. This algorithm can work out precise results according to candidate sets returned by LBS provider and it also solves uneven distribution problem in SpaceTwist. Performance analysis and experiments show that our method achieves a preferable tradeoff between QoS and location privacy preserving; it has obvious advantages compared with other methods.
Analysis on Topological Properties of Dalian Hazardous Materials Road Transportation Network
Authors: Chong Pengyun , Shuai Bin , Deng Shaowei , Yang Jianting , Yin Hui
Published: March 2015

To analyze the topological properties of hazardous materials road transportation network (HMRTN), this paper proposed two different ways to construct the cyberspace of HMRTN and constructed their complex network models, respectively. One was the physical network model of HMRTN based on the primal approach and the other was the service network model of HMRTN based on neighboring nodes. The two complex network models were built by using the case of Dalian HMRTN. The physical network model contained 154 nodes and 238 edges, and the statistical analysis results showed that (1) the cumulative node degree of physical network was subjected to exponential distribution, showing the network properties of random network and that (2) the HMRTN had small characteristic path length and large network clustering coefficient, which was a typical small-world network. The service network model contained 569 nodes and 1318 edges, and the statistical analysis results showed that (1) the cumulative node degree of service network was subjected to power-law distribution, showing the network properties of scale-free network and that (2) the relationship between nodes strength and their descending order ordinal and the relationship between nodes strength and cumulative nodes strength were both subjected to power-law distribution, also showing the network properties of scale-free network.
Hidden Metabolic Disturbances in Women with Normal Glucose Tolerance Five Years after Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Winhofer Yvonne , Tura Andrea , Thomas Anita , Prikoszovich Thomas , Winzer Christine , Pacini Giovanni , Luger Anton , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra
Published: March 2015

Background. The study aimed to assess whether women with prior gestational diabetes (pGDM), despite maintenance of normal glucose tolerance (NGT) five years after delivery, display metabolic disturbances compared to healthy controls.Methods. 45 pGDM with NGT were compared to 18 women without a history of GDM (CON), matched for age (37.0 ± 4.1 versus 35.2 ± 5.3,P=ns) and BMI (24.3 ± 3.1 versus 23.3 ± 3.3,P=ns). Metabolic parameters were derived from oral and intravenous glucose tolerance tests; furthermore lipid profile, C-reactive protein (CRP), adiponectin, leptin, and glucagon were assessed.Results. Five years postpartum, pGDM had increased glucose concentrations during the OGTT (AUC: 1.12 ± 0.15 versus 1.0 ± 0.12 mol/L*min,P=0.003) and insulin sensitivity was decreased compared to CON (OGIS: 467.2 ± 64.1 versus 510.6 ± 53.1 mL/min*m2,P=0.01). pGDM had lower adiponectin (8.1 ± 2.6 versus 12.6 ± 5.3,P<0.008) but increased waist circumference and CRP compared to CON.Conclusions. Despite diagnosis of normal glucose tolerance, pGDM are characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance compared to healthy controls, accompanied by decreased adiponectin and increased CRP concentrations, thus linking metabolic disturbances to an increased cardiovascular risk in pGDM.
Spatial and Temporal Variability of Aerosol Vertical Distribution Based on Lidar Observations: A Haze Case Study over Jinhua Basin
Authors: Zhang Wanchun , Augustin Mortier , Zhang Ying , Li Zhengqiang , Xu Hua , Liu Dong , Wang Zhenzhu , Zhang Yuhuan , Ma Yan , Zhang Fengxia , Lv Yang
Published: March 2015

The impacts of haze emphasized significance of hazards for human activities and importance of observations of aerosol vertical distribution. This study aimed to analyze the aerosol vertical distribution during a haze case at temporal and spatial aspects, using space-borne and ground-based Lidar observations over Jinhua Basin, Zhejiang province, as well as the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HSPLIT) model and optical situ monitoring at Jinhua site. The results highlight three pollution peaks above the surface located in the upper and lower boundary layer in Jinhua Basin. The trajectory analysis shows the pollutants inside and outside the planetary boundary layer from different sources. Planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) obtained from the space-borne Lidar observations was compared with that from ground-based Lidar observations. The absolute error between the two instruments is about 0.193 km. It is illustrated that the space-borne Lidar is an effective instrument for obtaining regional aerosol pollution in vertical section. Pollution transport near the ground is closely related with the terrain condition.
Blending Better Beverage Options: A Nutrition Education and Experiential Workshop for Youths
Authors: Isoldi Kathy K. , Dolar Veronika
Published: March 2015

Objective. To reduce intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in youths as a means to reduce obesity risk.Methods. Youths 5–14 years old attending a summer program were given a two-hour workshop addressing the sugar content in SSBs, the health risks from drinking SSBs, and hands-on preparation as well as tastings of low-sugar beverage alternatives. Data on usual intake of SSBs was obtained at baseline, and pre- and postprogram surveys were conducted to gauge change in knowledge and/or attitudes regarding SSBs.Results. There were 128 participants (63% male) in the program. SSBs were commonly consumed with over 80% reporting regular consumption (mean daily intake 17.9 ounces). Significant increase in knowledge regarding the sugar content of commonly consumed SSBs was achieved; however change in attitudes was not significant. The large majority of youths reported enjoying the workshop and intention to reduce intake of SSBs following program participation.Conclusion. SSBs are commonly consumed by youths. Knowledge regarding the sugar content of SSBs is easier to impart to youths than influencing attitudes held about these beverages. Long-term interventions that reach out to parents and address the widespread availability of SSBs are needed to influence resistant attitudes and beverage choosing behaviors in youths.
Preparation of Cementitious Material Using Smelting Slag and Tailings and the Solidification and Leaching of Pb2+
Authors: Zhang Dan , Shi Shiliu , Wang Chengbiao , Yang Xiaocong , Guo Lijie , Xue Shanshan
Published: March 2015

The composite cementitious materials were prepared with lead-zinc tailings, lead-zinc smelting slag, and cement clinker. The effect of material ratio on the mechanical properties, the phase analysis, and microstructures were investigated. The effect of the pH and stripping time on the leaching amount of lead ion was discussed. The results show that the additive amount of the tailings should be minimized for the cementitious materials meeting the strength requirements, controlled within 10%. The leaching amount of cementitious materials remains low in a larger range of pH, which can effectively reduce the leaching of heavy metal lead. The leaching kinetics of lead ions in the three kinds of samples could be better described by the pseudo-second-model.
CECILIA Regional Climate Simulations for Future Climate: Analysis of Climate Change Signal
Authors: Belda Michal , Skalák Petr , Farda Aleš , Halenka Tomáš , Déqué Michel , Csima Gabriella , Bartholy Judit , Torma Csaba , Boroneant Constanta , Caian Mihaela , Spiridonov Valery
Published: March 2015

Regional climate models (RCMs) are important tools used for downscaling climate simulations from global scale models. In project CECILIA, two RCMs were used to provide climate change information for regions of Central and Eastern Europe. Models RegCM and ALADIN-Climate were employed in downscaling global simulations from ECHAM5 and ARPEGE-CLIMAT under IPCC A1B emission scenario in periods 2021–2050 and 2071–2100. Climate change signal present in these simulations is consistent with respective driving data, showing similar large-scale features: warming between 0 and 3°C in the first period and 2 and 5°C in the second period with the least warming in northwestern part of the domain increasing in the southeastern direction and small precipitation changes within range of +1 to −1 mm/day. Regional features are amplified by the RCMs, more so in case of the ALADIN family of models.
Hopf Bifurcation, Cascade of Period-Doubling, Chaos, and the Possibility of Cure in a 3D Cancer Model
Authors: Galindo Marluci Cristina , Nespoli Cristiane , Messias Marcelo
Published: March 2015

We study a cancer model given by a three-dimensional system of ordinary differential equations, depending on eight parameters, which describe the interaction among healthy cells, tumour cells, and effector cells of immune system. The model was previously studied in the literature and was shown to have a chaotic attractor. In this paper we study how such a chaotic attractor is formed. More precisely, by varying one of the parameters, we prove that a supercritical Hopf bifurcation occurs, leading to the creation of a stable limit cycle. Then studying the continuation of this limit cycle we numerically found a cascade of period-doubling bifurcations which leads to the formation of the mentioned chaotic attractor. Moreover, analyzing the model dynamics from a biological point of view, we notice the possibility of both the tumour cells and the immune system cells to vanish and only the healthy cells survive, suggesting the possibility of cure, since the interactions with the immune system can eliminate tumour cells.
Analgesia Evaluation of 2 NSAID Drugs as Adjuvant in Management of Chronic Temporomandibular Disorders
Authors: Kurita Varoli Fernando , Sucena Pita Murillo , Sato Sandra , Issa João Paulo Mardegan , do Nascimento Cássio , Pedrazzi Vinícius
Published: March 2015

The aim of this triple‐blind full‐randomized clinical trial was to quantify analgesia in masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joints after occlusal splint therapy associated with the adjuvant administration of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) isolated or associated with other therapeutic agents. Pain relief was also recorded. Eighteen volunteers who had been suffering from chronic pain in masticatory muscles due to temporomandibular disorders were selected after anamnesis and assessment using RDC/TMD translated to Portuguese. The 3 proposed treatments were NSAID (sodium diclofenac), panacea (sodium diclofenac + carisoprodol + acetaminophen + caffeine), and a placebo. The total treatment duration was 10 days, preceded and succeeded by patients’ pain assessment. A washout interval of 11 days was established between each therapy. All participants received all treatments in different moments, in a full randomized crossover methodology. The assessment of drug therapies was performed using visual analogue scale for pain on palpation followed by 11‐point numerical scale to quantify pain during treatment. Statistical analysis has shown that, after 10 days of treatment, all therapies were effective for pain relief. NSAID therapy promoted analgesia on the third day, while placebo only promoted analgesia in the eighth day. It has been concluded that sodium diclofenac used as splint adjuvant therapy, promotes significant analgesia in a shorter time.
Biological Effects of Listeriolysin O: Implications for Vaccination
Authors: Hernández-Flores K. G. , Vivanco-Cid H.
Published: March 2015

Listeriolysin O (LLO) is a thiol-activated cholesterol-dependent pore-forming toxin and the major virulence factor ofListeria monocytogenes(LM). Extensive research in recent years has revealed that LLO exerts a wide array of biological activities, during the infection by LM or by itself as recombinant antigen. The spectrum of biological activities induced by LLO includes cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, endoplasmic reticulum stress response, modulation of gene expression, intracellular calcium oscillations, and proinflammatory activity. In addition, LLO is a highly immunogenic toxin and the major target for innate and adaptive immune responses in different animal models and humans. Recently, the crystal structure of LLO has been published in detail. Here, we review the structure-function relationship for this fascinating microbial molecule, highlighting the potential uses of LLO in the fields of biomedicine and biotechnology, particularly in vaccination.
Best Proximity Points for Generalized Proximal Weak Contractions Satisfying Rational Expression on Ordered Metric Spaces
Authors: Pragadeeswarar V. , Marudai M.
Published: March 2015

We introduce a generalized proximal weak contraction of rational type for the non-self-map and proved results to ensure the existence and uniqueness of best proximity point for such mappings in the setting of partially ordered metric spaces. Further, our results provides an extension of a result due to Luong and Thuan (2011) and also it provides an extension of Harjani (2010) to the case of self-mappings.
Effect of Sintering Temperature on Membranes Manufactured with Clays for Textile Effluent Treatment
Authors: Silva Mirele Costa da , Lira Hélio de Lucena , Lima Rosa do Carmo de Oliveira , Freitas Normanda Lino de
Published: March 2015

The aim of this work is to use cheap raw materials, such as kaolin and ball clay, for the manufacture of ceramic membranes for application in effluent treatment from textile industry and to evaluate the influence of sintering temperature in the structural and morphological characteristics of those membranes. The ceramic mass was characterized by X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis. The membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Hg porosimetry, and water permeability with desalinated water. The variation in the sintering temperature directly affected the structural and morphological characteristics of the membranes. The increase in sintering temperature of the membranes has raised the average pores diameter from 0.116 to 0.179 µm but decreased the porosity of the membrane, from 40.30 to 25.16% for temperatures from 900 to 1100°C, respectively. The reduction in porosity of the membrane affected the water permeated flux and decrease from 35.82 Kg/h·m2(at 1000°C) to 15.68 Kg/h·m2(at 1100°C). All the membranes have been applied with success in the effluent treatment from textile industry, resulting in the decrease in turbidity and discoloration, reaching approximately 100% of rejection of solid particles.