bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Defected Ground Structure to Suppress Out-of-Band Harmonics for WLAN Microstrip Antenna
Authors: Prajapati Pravin Ratilal
Published: December 2015

An application of defected ground structure (DGS) to reduce out-of-band harmonics has been presented. A compact, proximity feed fractal slotted microstrip antenna for wireless local area network (WLAN) applications has been designed. The proposed 3rd iteration reduces antenna size by 43% as compared to rectangular conventional antenna and by introducing H shape DGS, the size of an antenna is further reduced by 3%. The DGS introduces stop band characteristics and suppresses higher harmonics, which are out of the band generated by 1st, 2nd, and 3rd iterations. H shape DGS is etched below the 50 Ω feed line and transmission coefficient parameters (S21) are obtained by CST Microwave Studio software. The values of equivalent L and C model have been extracted using a trial version of the diplexer filter design software. The stop band characteristic of the equivalent LC model also has been simulated by the Advance Digital System software, which gives almost the same response as compared to the simulation of CST Microwave Studio V. 12. The proposed antenna operates from 2.4 GHz to 2.49 GHz, which covers WLAN band and has a gain of 4.46 dB at 2.45 GHz resonance frequency.
Hypoxia-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Is Involved in Bleomycin-Induced Lung Fibrosis
Authors: Guo Liang , Xu Jun-mei , Liu Lei , Liu Su-mei , Zhu Rong
Published: December 2015

Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe disease that contributes to the morbidity and mortality of a number of lung diseases. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to lung fibrosis are poorly understood. This study investigated the roles of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the associated molecular mechanisms in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. The bleomycin-induced fibrosis animal model was established by intratracheal injection of a single dose of bleomycin. Protein expression was measured by Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Typical lesions of lung fibrosis were observed 1 week after bleomycin injection. A progressive increase in MMP-2, S100A4,α-SMA, HIF-1α, ZEB1, CD44, phospho-p44/42 (p-p44/42), and phospho-p38 MAPK (p-p38) protein levels as well as activation of EMT was observed in the lung tissues of bleomycin mice. Hypoxia increased HIF-1αand ZEB1 expression and activated EMT in H358 cells. Also, continuous incubation of cells under mild hypoxic conditions increased CD44, p-p44/42, and p-p38 protein levels in H358 cells, which correlated with the increase in S100A4 expression. In conclusion, bleomycin induces progressive lung fibrosis, which may be associated with activation of EMT. The fibrosis-induced hypoxia may further activate EMT in distal alveoli through a hypoxia-HIF-1α-ZEB1 pathway and promote the differentiation of lung epithelial cells into fibroblasts through phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and Erk1/2 proteins.
Global Chassis Control System Using Suspension, Steering, and Braking Subsystems
Authors: Vivas-Lopez Carlos A. , Tudon-Martinez Juan C. , Hernandez-Alcantara Diana , Morales-Menendez Ruben
Published: December 2015

A novelGlobal Chassis Control(GCC) system based on a multilayer architecture with three levels: top: decision layer, middle: control layer, and bottom: system layer is presented. The main contribution of this work is the development of a data-based classification and coordination algorithm, into a single control problem. Based on a clustering technique, the decision layer classifies the current driving condition. Afterwards, heuristic rules are used to coordinate the performance of the considered vehicle subsystems (suspension, steering, and braking) using local controllers hosted in the control layer. The control allocation system uses fuzzy logic controllers. The performance of the proposed GCC system was evaluated under different standard tests. Simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed system compared to an uncontrolled vehicle and a vehicle with a noncoordinated control. The proposed system decreases by 14% the braking distance in the hard braking test with respect to the uncontrolled vehicle, the roll and yaw movements are reduced by 10% and 12%, respectively, in the Double Line Change test, and the oscillations caused by load transfer are reduced by 7% in a cornering situation.
Castleman Disease of the Parotid Gland: A Report of a Case
Authors: Abo-Alhassan Fawaz , Faras Fatemah , Bastaki Jassem , Al-Sihan Mutlaq K.
Published: December 2015

Castleman disease is an extremely rare benign lymphoproliferative disorder of unknown etiology. It affects the lymphatic chain in anybody region, although the commonest site is the mediastinum. The head and neck region is the second most common site; however, the salivary glands are rarely affected. We report a case of a 29-year-old Asian lady who presented with a 2-year history of an enlarging left parotid mass. Histopathology of the excisional biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Castleman disease.
Invasive Community-Acquired Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusin a Japanese Girl with Disseminating Multiple Organ Infection: A Case Report and Review of Japanese Pediatric Cases
Authors: Yonezawa Ryuta , Kuwana Tsukasa , Kawamura Kengo , Inamo Yasuji
Published: December 2015

Pediatric invasive community-acquired methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(CA-MRSA) infection is very serious and occasionally fatal. This infectious disease is still a relatively rare and unfamiliar infectious disease in Japan. We report a positive outcome in a 23-month-old Japanese girl with meningitis, osteomyelitis, fasciitis, necrotizing pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and bacteremia due to CA-MRSA treated with linezolid. PCR testing of the CA-MRSA strain was positive for PVL and staphylococcal enterotoxin b and negative for ACME. SCCmecwas type IVa. This case underscores the selection of effective combinations of antimicrobial agents for its treatment. We need to be aware of invasive CA-MRSA infection, which rapidly progresses with a serious clinical course, because the incidence of the disease may be increasing in Japan.
Robust Adaptive Attitude Control for Airbreathing Hypersonic Vehicle with Attitude Constraints and Propulsive Disturbance
Authors: Fu Jian , Wang Liangming , Chen Mou , Chang Sijiang
Published: December 2015

A robust adaptive backstepping attitude control scheme, combined with invariant-set-based sliding mode control and fast-nonlinear disturbance observer, is proposed for the airbreathing hypersonic vehicle with attitude constraints and propulsive disturbance. Based on the positive invariant set and backstepping method, an innovative sliding surface is firstly developed for the attitude constraints. And the propulsive disturbance of airbreathing hypersonic vehicle is described as a differential equation which is motivated by attitude angles in this paper. Then, an adaptive fast-nonlinear disturbance observer for the proposed sliding surface is designed to estimate this kind of disturbance. The convergence of all closed-loop signals is rigorously proved via Lyapunov analysis method under the developed robust attitude control scheme. Finally, simulation results are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed attitude control scheme.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Triterpenes Isolated fromProtium paniculatumOil-Resins
Authors: de Almeida Patrícia D. O. , Boleti Ana Paula de A. , Rüdiger André Luis , Lourenço Geane A. , da Veiga Junior Valdir Florêncio , Lima Emerson S.
Published: December 2015

Protiumis the main genus of the Burseraceae family and one of the most common genera in South America, with an important species called “breu.” Gum and oil-resins of this species are used as tonic and stimulant and for the treatment of ulcers and inflammation. The present study aims to isolate and investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of triterpene compounds isolated from oil-resin ofProtium paniculatum. The pentacyclic triterpenesα,β-amyrin, acetylatedα,β-amyrin,α,β-amyrone, and brein/maniladiol did not alter the viability of murine J774 macrophages (IC50> 20 µg/mL), with the exception of mixture of brein/maniladiol which showed moderate cytotoxic activity. Also it was observed that compounds at 10 µg/mL inhibited more than 80% of production of NO•, although onlyα,β-amyrin was able to inhibit the production of TNF-α(52.03±2.4%). The compounds inhibited the production of IL-6 and induced the production of IL-10 in murine J774 macrophages stimulated by LPS.α,β-Amyrone inhibited the expression of COX-2 and also inhibited the formation of paw or ear edema in rats and mice, having a quick and immediate effect. This study may provide the basis for future investigations on the therapeutic role ofα,β-amyrone in treating inflammation.
Confidence Region Approach for Assessing Bioequivalence and Biosimilarity Accounting for Heterogeneity of Variability
Authors: Li Jianghao , Chow Shein-Chung
Published: December 2015

For approval of generic drugs, the FDA requires that evidence of bioequivalence in average bioequivalence in terms of drug absorption be provided through the conduct of a bioequivalence study. A test product is said to be average bioequivalent to a reference (innovative) product if the 90% confidence interval of the ratio of means (after log-transformation) is totally within (80%, 125%). This approach is considered a one-parameter approach, which does not account for possible heterogeneity of variability between drug products. In this paper, we study a two-parameter approach (i.e., confidence region approach) for assessing bioequivalence, which can also be applied to assessing biosimilarity of biosimilar products. The proposed confidence region approach is compared with the traditional one-parameter approach both theoretically and numerically (i.e., simulation study) for finite sample performance.
Role of Nonmonotonic Constitutive Curves in Extrusion Instabilities
Authors: Cao Yu , Yang Wen-Jing , Guo Xiao-Wei , Xu Xin-Hai , Chen Juan , Yang Xue-Jun , Yuan Xue-Feng
Published: December 2015

Flow instabilities of non-Newtonian fluids severely hamper the quality of products during various chemical processes, such as fibre spinning, extrusion, and film blowing. The origin of extrusion instability has been studied over many decades. However, no consensus has been reached among the research community so far. In this paper, the possible cause of extrusion instabilities is explored using the finitely extensible nonlinear elastic conformation-dependent (FENE-CD) model with a nonmonotonic constitutive curve. Many well-documented experimental phenomena are reproduced in our simulations, and it could be concluded that the nonmonotonic constitutive curve plays an essential role in extrusion instabilities. In addition, the results imply that the die exit singularity may generate or magnify oscillations.
Status of Human Papillomavirus Infection in the Ethnic Population in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Baloch Zulqarnain , Yue Lei , Yuan Tao , Feng Yue , Tai Wenlin , Liu Yanqing , Wang Binghui , Li Xiao , Liu Li , Zhang A-Mei , Wu Xiaomei , Xia Xueshan
Published: December 2015

HPV genotypes have distinct distributions among various ethnic populations worldwide. In December 2013, 237 and 159 cervical samples were collected from Hani and Han ethnic women, respectively, in Mojiang, a rural county in southern Yunnan. The overall HPV infection rate (21.1%) among the Hani women was significantly higher than that among the Han women (12.6%). The high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR) HPV and single- and multiple-genotype infection rates among the Hani women were 11.0%, 4.6%, 15.6%, and 5.5%, respectively. HPV-16 (3.8%) was the most prevalent genotype among the Hani women, followed by HPV-52 (1.7%), HPV-31 (0.8%), and HPV-33 (0.8%). Comparatively, the Han women had lower infection rates of high-risk (8.2%), low-risk (1.2%), single-genotype (9.4%), and multiple-genotype HPV infections (3.1%). HPV-16 (3.1%) was also the predominant genotype among the Han women, followed by HPV-52 (1.3%), HPV-33 (0.6%), HPV-44 (0.6%), and HPV-54 (0.6%). The area background, number of children, and past history of STIs were recognized as potential risk factors for HPV infection. Rural background, age, education level, number of children, and illness history were significantly associated with HPV infection among the Hani women. These findings highlight the urgent need for HPV prevention and control strategies in Yunnan, particularly for the Hani ethnic women.
Sum Rate Analysis of MU-MIMO with a 3D MIMO Base Station Exploiting Elevation Features
Authors: Li Xingwang , Li Lihua , Wen Fupeng , Wang Junfeng , Deng Chao
Published: December 2015

Although the three-dimensional (3D) channel model considering the elevation factor has been used to analyze the performance of multiuser multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) systems, less attention is paid to the effect of the elevation variation. In this paper, we elaborate the sum rate of MU-MIMO systems with a 3D base station (BS) exploiting different elevations. To illustrate clearly, we consider a high-rise building scenario. Due to the floor height, each floor corresponds to an elevation. Therefore, we can analyze the sum rate performance for each floor and discuss its effect on the performance of the whole building. This work can be seen as the first attempt to analyze the sum rate performance for high-rise buildings in modern city and used as a reference for infrastructure.
High Performance Web of Things Architecture for the Smart Grid Domain
Authors: Vernet David , Zaballos Agustín , Martin de Pozuelo Ramon , Caballero Víctor
Published: December 2015

The increasing complexity in the management of Smart Grids is an essential factor in the creation of new technological infrastructures capable of managing the different devices involved in the network. This network has been converted into an example of the Internet of Things. In this regard, the Web of Things enables an improvement in the processing of these data. Besides, the large amount of data in the Smart Grid domain means that a high performance architectural design is able to manage concurrently the entire information processing ability. This paper presents an initial approach for a new architecture and the first results after the system implementation.
Reduced-Dimension Noncircular-Capon Algorithm for DOA Estimation of Noncircular Signals
Authors: Lv Weihua , Sun Huapu , Zhang Xiaofei , Xu Dazhuan
Published: December 2015

The problem of the direction of arrival (DOA) estimation for the noncircular (NC) signals, which have been widely used in communications, is investigated. A reduced-dimension NC-Capon algorithm is proposed hereby for the DOA estimation of noncircular signals. The proposed algorithm, which only requires one-dimensional search, can avoid the high computational cost within the two-dimensional NC-Capon algorithm. The angle estimation performance of the proposed algorithm is much better than that of the conventional Capon algorithm and very close to that of the two-dimensional NC-Capon algorithm, which has a much higher complexity than the proposed algorithm. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm can be applied to arbitrary arrays and works well without estimating the noncircular phases. The simulation results verify the effectiveness and improvement of the proposed algorithm.
Paliperidone Palmitate Associated with Necrotizing Deep Tissue Infection and Sepsis Requiring Surgical Intervention
Authors: Leung Jonathan G. , Kooda Kirstin J. , Frazee Erin N. , Nelson Sarah , Moore Katherine M.
Published: December 2015

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics provide the delivery of medication over an extended period of time requiring administration typically only every 2 to 4 weeks. The side effect profile of a long-acting injectable antipsychotic is predictable and similar to the oral formulation. However, injection site reactions may occur with this novel delivery system. The risk of an injection site reaction may be greater with the repeated administration of a lipophilic decanoate formulation and include pain, development of indurations, and fibrosis. Severe complications from injection site reactions have rarely been described in the literature with newer agents. We report the first case of a patient prescribed paliperidone palmitate every 3 weeks that developed severe sepsis requiring vasopressors and intubation due to delayed relayed recognition of a necrotizing infection at an injection site. Clinicians should be alerted to screen for injection site reactions when there is an unknown source infection in a patient receiving a long-acting injectable antipsychotic.
Analyzing User Awareness of Privacy Data Leak in Mobile Applications
Authors: Kim Youngho , Oh Tae , Kim Jeongnyeo
Published: December 2015

To overcome the resource and computing power limitation of mobile devices in Internet of Things (IoT) era, a cloud computing provides an effective platform without human intervention to build a resource-oriented security solution. However, existing malware detection methods are constrained by a vague situation of information leaks. The main goal of this paper is to measure a degree of hiding intention for the mobile application (app) to keep its leaking activity invisible to the user. For real-world application test, we target Android applications, which unleash user privacy data. With the TaintDroid-ported emulator, we make experiments about the timing distance between user events and privacy leaks. Our experiments with Android apps downloaded from the Google Play show that most of leak cases are driven by user explicit events or implicit user involvement which make the user aware of the leakage. Those findings can assist a malware detection system in reducing the rate of false positive by considering malicious intentions. From the experiment, we understand better about app’s internal operations as well. As a case study, we also presents a cloud-based dynamic analysis framework to perform a traffic monitor.
Stability Constants of Mixed Ligand Complexes of Nickel(II) with Adenine and Some Amino Acids
Authors: Türkel Naciye
Published: December 2015

Nickel is one of the essential trace elements found in biological systems. It is mostly found in nickel-based enzymes as an essential cofactor. It forms coordination complexes with amino acids within enzymes. Nickel is also present in nucleic acids, though its function in DNA or RNA is still not clearly understood. In this study, complex formation tendencies of Ni(II) with adenine and certain L-amino acids such as aspartic acid, glutamic acid, asparagine, leucine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan were investigated in an aqueous medium. Potentiometric equilibrium measurements showed that both binary and ternary complexes of Ni(II) form with adenine and the above-mentioned L-amino acids. Ternary complexes of Ni(II)-adenine-L-amino acids are formed by stepwise mechanisms. Relative stabilities of the ternary complexes are compared with those of the corresponding binary complexes in terms ofΔlog10⁡K,log10⁡X, and % RS values. It was shown that the most stable ternary complex is Ni(II):Ade:L-Asn while the weakest one is Ni(II):Ade:L-Phe in aqueous solution used in this research. In addition, results of this research clearly show that various binary and ternary type Ni(II) complexes are formed in different concentrations as a function of pH in aqueous solution.
Methylation Status of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Promoter in Benign and Malignant Adrenal Tumors
Authors: Pilon Catia , Rebellato Andrea , Urbanet Riccardo , Guzzardo Vincenza , Cappellesso Rocco , Sasano Hironobu , Fassina Ambrogio , Fallo Francesco
Published: December 2015

We previously showed a decreased expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR) mRNA/protein in a small group of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) tissues, suggesting the loss of a protective role of VDR against malignant cell growth in this cancer type. Downregulation of VDR gene expression may result from epigenetics events, that is, methylation of cytosine nucleotide of CpG islands in VDR gene promoter. We analyzed methylation of CpG sites in the VDR gene promoter in normal adrenals and adrenocortical tumor samples. Methylation of CpG-rich 5′ regions was assessed by bisulfite sequencing PCR using bisulfite-treated DNA from archival microdissected paraffin-embedded adrenocortical tissues. Three normal adrenals and 23 various adrenocortical tumor samples (15 adenomas and 8 carcinomas) were studied. Methylation in the promoter region of VDR gene was found in 3/8 ACCs, while no VDR gene methylation was observed in normal adrenals and adrenocortical adenomas. VDR mRNA and protein levels were lower in ACCs than in benign tumors, and VDR immunostaining was weak or negative in ACCs, including all 3 methylated tissue samples. The association between VDR gene promoter methylation and reduced VDR gene expression is not a rare event in ACC, suggesting that VDR epigenetic inactivation may have a role in adrenocortical carcinogenesis.
High-Throughput Screening of Sensory and Nutritional Characteristics for Cultivar Selection in Commercial Hydroponic Greenhouse Crop Production
Authors: Nassar Atef M. K. , Kubow Stan , Donnelly Danielle J.
Published: December 2015

Hydroponic greenhouse-grown and store-bought cultivars of tomato (cherry and beefsteak), cucumbers, bibb lettuce, and arugula were investigated to see if they could be distinguished based on sensory qualities and phytonutrient composition. Only the more dominant sensory criteria were sufficiently robust to distinguish between cultivars and could form the core of a consolidated number of criteria in a more discriminating sensory evaluation test. Strong determinants for cultivar selection within each crop included the following: mineral analysis (particularly Cu, Fe, K, Mg, and P); total carotenoids (particularlyβ-carotene, lycopene, and lutein); total carbohydrate (except in arugula); organic acids; total phenolics and total anthocyanins (except in cucumber). Hydroponically grown and store-bought produce were of similar quality although individual cultivars varied in quality. Storage at 4°C for up to 6 days did not affect phytonutrient status. From this, we conclude that “freshness,” while important, has a longer duration than the 6 days used in our study. Overall, the effect of cultivar was more important than the effect of growing method or short-term storage at 4°C under ideal storage conditions.
Comparative Analysis of the Properties of Acid-Base Indicator of Rose (Rosa setigera), Allamanda (Allamanda cathartica), and Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) Flowers
Authors: Okoduwa Stanley I. R. , Mbora Lovina O. , Adu Matthew E. , Adeyi Ameh A.
Published: December 2015

The need to develop effective alternative for synthetic indicators is the demand of present-day chemistry. The acid-base indicator properties of Rose (Rosa setigera), Allamanda (Allamanda cathartica), and Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) flowers were examined. Colour pigments were extracted from the flowers via cold and solvent extraction using soxhlet extractor. The pH value of the extracts with wavelengths of absorption was determined using ultraviolet spectrophotometer. From the results obtained, all the extracts exhibited sharp contrast between their colours in acid and base. Their pH was found to be 5.5 for cold extract of Rose and 5.6 for solvent extraction, 5.24 for cold extract of a Hibiscus and 6.52 for solvent extraction, 5.35 for cold extract of Allamanda, and 5.45 for solvent extraction. The maximum wavelengths of absorption obtained for all the extract fall within the visible region of electromagnetic spectrum. These values are almost similar to that obtained from synthetic indicators. It is on these bases that we concluded that natural indicators could be an excellent replacement for synthetic indicators since they are cheap, readily available, simple to extract, not toxic, user and environmentally friendly.
Modeling Illicit Drug Use Dynamics and Its Optimal Control Analysis
Authors: Mushayabasa Steady , Tapedzesa Gift
Published: December 2015

The global burden of death and disability attributable to illicit drug use, remains a significant threat to public health for both developed and developing nations. This paper presents a new mathematical modeling framework to investigate the effects of illicit drug use in the community. In our model the transmission process is captured as a social “contact” process between the susceptible individuals and illicit drug users. We conduct both epidemic and endemic analysis, with a focus on the threshold dynamics characterized by the basic reproduction number. Using our model, we present illustrative numerical results with a case study in Cape Town, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Durban communities of South Africa. In addition, the basic model is extended to incorporate time dependent intervention strategies.
Write-Combined Logging: An Optimized Logging for Consistency in NVRAM
Authors: Zhang Wenzhe , Lu Kai , Luján Mikel , Wang Xiaoping , Zhou Xu
Published: December 2015

Nonvolatile memory (e.g., Phase Change Memory) blurs the boundary between memory and storage and it could greatly facilitate the construction of in-memory durable data structures. Data structures can be processed and stored directly in NVRAM. To maintain the consistency of persistent data, logging is a widely adopted mechanism. However, logging introduces write-twice overhead. This paper introduces an optimized write-combined logging to reduce the writes to NVRAM log. By leveraging the fast-read and byte-addressable features of NVRAM, we can perform a read-and-compare operation before writes and thus issue writes in a finer-grained way. We tested our system on the benchmark suit STAMP which contains real-world applications. Experiment results show that our system can reduce the writes to NVRAM by 33%–34%, which can help extend the lifetime of NVRAM and improve performance. Averagely our system can improve performance by 7%–11%.
Fully Connected Neural Networks Ensemble with Signal Strength Clustering for Indoor Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Bernas Marcin , Płaczek Bartłomiej
Published: December 2015

The paper introduces a method which improves localization accuracy of the signal strength fingerprinting approach. According to the proposed method, entire localization area is divided into regions by clustering the fingerprint database. For each region a prototype of the received signal strength is determined and a dedicated artificial neural network (ANN) is trained by using only those fingerprints that belong to this region (cluster). Final estimation of the location is obtained by fusion of the coordinates delivered by selected ANNs. Sensor nodes have to store only the signal strength prototypes and synaptic weights of the ANNs in order to estimate their locations. This approach significantly reduces the amount of memory required to store a received signal strength map. Various ANN topologies were considered in this study. Improvement of the localization accuracy as well as speedup of learning process was achieved by employing fully connected neural networks. The proposed method was verified and compared against state-of-the-art localization approaches in real world indoor environment by using both stationary and mobile sensor nodes.
Reassessing the Role of Intra-Arterial Drug Delivery for Glioblastoma Multiforme Treatment
Authors: Ellis Jason A. , Banu Matei , Hossain Shaolie S. , Singh-Moon Rajinder , Lavine Sean D. , Bruce Jeffrey N. , Joshi Shailendra
Published: December 2015

Effective treatment for glioblastoma (GBM) will likely require targeted delivery of several specific pharmacological agents simultaneously. Intra-arterial (IA) delivery is one technique for targeting the tumor site with multiple agents. Although IA chemotherapy for glioblastoma (GBM) has been attempted since the 1950s, the predicted benefits remain unproven in clinical practice. This review focuses on innovative approaches to IA drug delivery in treating GBM. Guided by novelin vitroandin vivooptical measurements, newer pharmacokinetic models promise to better define the complex relationship between background cerebral blood flow and drug injection parameters. Advanced optical technologies and tracers, unique nanoparticles designs, new cellular targets, and rational drug formulations are continuously modifying the therapeutic landscape for GBM. Personalized treatment approaches are emerging; however, such tailored approaches will largely depend on effective drug delivery techniques and on the ability to simultaneously deliver multidrug regimens. These new paradigms for tumor-selective drug delivery herald dramatic improvements in the effectiveness of IA chemotherapy for GBM. Therefore, within this context of so-called “precision medicine,” the role of IA delivery for GBM is thoroughly reassessed.
Practical Calling Approach for Exome Array-Based Genome-Wide Association Studies in Korean Population
Authors: Park Tae-Joon , Heo Lyong , Moon Sanghoon , Kim Young Jin , Oh Ji Hee , Han Sohee , Kim Bong-Jo
Published: December 2015

Exome-based genotyping arrays are cost-effective and have recently been used as alternative platforms to whole-exome sequencing. However, the automated clustering algorithm in an exome array has a genotype calling problem in accuracy for identifying rare and low-frequency variants. To address these shortcomings, we present a practical approach for accurate genotype calling using the Illumina Infinium HumanExome BeadChip. We present comparison results and a statistical summary of our genotype data sets. Our data set comprises 14,647 Korean samples. To solve the limitation of automated clustering, we performed manual genotype clustering for the targeted identification of 46,076 variants that were identified using GenomeStudio software. To evaluate the effects of applying custom cluster files, we tested cluster files using 804 independent Korean samples and the same platform. Our study firstly suggests practical guidelines for exome chip quality control in Asian populations and provides valuable insight into an association study using exome chip.
On the Existence and Stability of Standing Waves for 2-Coupled Nonlinear Fractional Schrödinger System
Authors: Sha Xiuyan , Ge Huanmin , Xin Jie
Published: December 2015

We study a system of 2-coupled nonlinear fractional Schrödinger equations. Firstly, we construct constrained minimization problem to the system. Next, we prove the existence of standing waves for the system by using the concentration-compactness and commutator estimates method. Lastly, we also consider the set of minimizers of the constrained minimization problem. We prove that it is a stable set for initial value of the problem; that is, a solution to the system with initial value which is near the set will remain near it for all time.
STEADFAST: Psychotherapeutic Intervention Improves Postural Strategy of Somatoform Vertigo and Dizziness
Authors: Best Christoph , Tschan Regine , Stieber Nikola , Beutel Manfred E. , Eckhardt-Henn Annegret , Dieterich Marianne
Published: December 2015

Patients with somatoform vertigo and dizziness (SVD) disorders often report instability of stance or gait and fear of falling. Posturographic measurements indeed indicated a pathological postural strategy. Our goal was to evaluate the effectiveness of a psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational short-term intervention (PTI) using static posturography and psychometric examination. Seventeen SVD patients took part in the study. The effects of PTI on SVD were evaluated with quantitative static posturography. As primary endpoint a quotient characterizing the relation between horizontal and vertical sway was calculated (QH/V), reflecting the individual postural strategy. Results of static posturography were compared to those of age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers (n=28); baseline measurements were compared to results after PTI. The secondary endpoint was the participation-limiting consequences of SVD as measured by the Vertigo Handicap Questionnaire (VHQ). Compared to the healthy volunteers, the patients with SVD showed a postural strategy characterized by stiffening-up that resulted in a significantly reduced body sway quotient before PTI (patients:QH/V=0.31versus controls:QH/V=0.38;p=0.022). After PTI the postural behavior normalized, and psychological distress was reduced. PTI therefore appears to modify pathological balance behaviour. The postural strategy of patients with SVD possibly results from anxious anticipatory cocontraction of the antigravity muscles.
Sandor Type Inequalities for Sugeno Integral with respect to Generalα,m,r-Convex Functions
Authors: Li Dong-Qing , Cheng Yu-Hu , Wang Xue-Song
Published: December 2015

The concept for generalα,m,r-convex functions, as a generalization of convex functions, is introduced. Then, Sandor type inequalities for the Sugeno integral based on this kind of function are established. Our work generalizes the previous results in the literature. Finally, some conclusions and problems for further investigations are given.
A Hydrodynamical Model of a Rotating Wind Source and Its Effects on the Collapse of a Rotating Core
Authors: Arreaga-Garcia Guillermo
Published: December 2015

This work presents three-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations with the fully parallel GAGDET2 code, to model a rotating source that emits wind in order to study the subsequent dynamics of the wind in three independent scenarios. In the first scenario we consider several models of the wind source, which is characterized by a rotation velocityVrotand an escape velocityVesc, so that the models have a radially outward wind velocity magnitudeVradgiven by 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 timesVrot. In the second scenario, we study the interaction of winds emitted from a binary system in two kinds of models: one in which the source remains during the wind emission and a second one in which all the source itself becomes wind. In the third scenario we consider the interaction of a rotating source that emits wind within a collapsing and rotating core. In this scenario we consider only wind models of the second kind built over a new initial radial mesh, such that the angular velocity of the windΩwis 1, 100, and 1000 times the angular velocity of the coreΩc.
Hemorrhagic Pseudocyst of Pancreas Treated with Coil Embolization of Gastroduodenal Artery: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Jain Sudhir Kumar , Rajendran Vishnuraja , Jain Maneesh K. , Kori Ronal
Published: December 2015

Hemorrhage into pseudocyst of pancreas can rarely present as life threatening massive UGI bleeding. We present a case of 21-year-old male, admitted to our department, who was a known case of posttraumatic acute pancreatitis and who developed massive upper GI bleeding. CT angiography of abdomen showed aneurysm of gastroduodenal artery. Patient was successfully treated with coil embolization of gastroduodenal artery.
Donor/Recipient Delta Age: A Possible Risk for Arterial Stenosis in Renal Transplantation
Authors: Pallotti Giovanni , Donati Gabriele , Capelli Irene , Baraldi Olga , Comai Giorgia , Agati Patrizia , Nichelatti Michele , Cianciolo Giuseppe , La Manna Gaetano
Published: December 2015

Different arterial wall properties can significantly increase the risk of blood turbulent fluxes leading to complications such as atherosclerosis. Since the mechanical properties of arterial vessels are influenced by age, we investigated, in a retrospective study, the effects on renal artery stenosis of an age difference >15 years between donor and recipient in a cohort of 164 patients undergoing renal transplantation between 1981 and 1991. The age difference between donor and recipient was ≤15 years in 87 patients (53.0%) (Group A) and >15 years in 77 patients (47.0%) (Group B,p=ns). None of the Group A patients developed an anastomotic arterial stenosis, whereas 8/77 Group B patients (10.4%) had an anastomotic arterial stenosis (p<0.001). This study shows that an age difference >15 years is significantly linked to the risk of developing arterial stenosis after renal transplantation. Indeed, different wall properties can significantly increase the risk of generation of blood turbulent fluxes and involve, in the arterial vessels, the development of complications such as atherosclerosis.
Temporal Trends and Predictors of Modern Contraceptive Use in Lusaka, Zambia, 2004–2011
Authors: Hancock Nancy L. , Chibwesha Carla J. , Stoner Marie C. D. , Vwalika Bellington , Rathod Sujit D. , Kasaro Margaret Phiri , Stringer Elizabeth M. , Stringer Jeffrey S. A. , Chi Benjamin H.
Published: December 2015

Introduction. Although increasing access to family planning has been an important part of the global development agenda, millions of women continue to face unmet need for contraception.Materials and Methods. We analyzed data from a repeated cross-sectional community survey conducted in Lusaka, Zambia, over an eight-year period. We described prevalence of modern contraceptive use, including long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), among female heads of household aged 16–50 years. We also identified predictors of LARC versus short-term contraceptive use among women using modern methods.Results and Discussion. Twelve survey rounds were completed between November 2004 and September 2011. Among 29,476 eligible respondents, 17,605 (60%) reported using modern contraception. Oral contraceptive pills remained the most popular method over time, but use of LARC increased significantly, from less than 1% in 2004 to 9% by 2011 (p<0.001). Younger women (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.61) and women with lower levels of education (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.89) were less likely to report LARC use compared to women using short-term modern methods.Conclusions. Population-based assessments of contraceptive use over time can guide programs and policies. To achieve reproductive health equity and reduce unmet contraceptive need, future efforts to increase LARC use should focus on young women and those with less education.
A Semilinear Wave Equation with a Boundary Condition of Many-Point Type: Global Existence and Stability of Weak Solutions
Authors: Vo Giai Giang
Published: December 2015

This paper is devoted to the study of a wave equation with a boundary condition of many-point type. The existence of weak solutions is proved by using the Galerkin method. Also, the uniqueness and the stability of solutions are established.
A Study of Fuel and Reactor Design for Platinum Nanoparticle Catalyzed Microreactors
Authors: McNally Dylan , Agnello Marika , Pastore Brigitte , Applegate James R. , Westphal Eric , Bakrania Smitesh D.
Published: December 2015

Typical microcombustion‐based power devices entail the use of catalyst to sustain combustion in less than millimeter scale channels. This work explores the use of several other candidate fuels for ~8 nm diameter Pt particle catalyzed combustion within 800 μm channel width cordierite substrates. The results demonstrate while commercial hydrocarbon fuels such as methane, propane, butane, and ethanol can be used to sustain catalytic combustion, room temperature ignition was only observed using methanol‐air mixtures. Fuels, other than methanol, required preheating at temperatures >200°C, yet repeated catalytic cycling similar to methanol‐air mixtures was demonstrated. Subsequently, a new reactor design was investigated to couple with thermoelectric generators. The modified reactor design enabled ignition of methanol‐air mixtures at room temperature with the ability to achieve repeat catalytic cycles. Preliminary performance studies achieved a maximum temperature difference ΔT of 55°C with a flow rate of 800 mL/min. While the temperature difference indicates a respectable potential for power generation, reduced exhaust temperature and improved thermal management could significantly enhance the eventual device performance.
Photostability of Loratadine Inclusion Complexes with Natural Cyclodextrins
Authors: Rivas-Granizo Patricia Elizabeth , Giorgetti Leandro , Ferraz Humberto Gomes
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the photostability of inclusion complexes of the histamine antagonist loratadine (LORA) withα-,β-, andγ-cyclodextrins (CDs). Accordingly, binary drug-CD complexes were prepared using the coevaporation method at 1 : 1, 1 : 2, and 1 : 3 stoichiometric ratios, which were characterized by thermal analysis. Subsequently, solutions of the complexes at 500 μg mL−1in HCl 0.1 M were subjected to irradiation in a photostability chamber for 12 hours, and the content of the remaining active ingredient was quantified by means of high-performance liquid chromatography. It is possible to observe the presence of two products originating from photodegradation (P1 and P2), which were identified in solutions of loratadine withα- andβ-CD. By means of statistical analysis, we conclude that the drug:α-CD and drug:γ-CD (1 : 1) complexes proved to be more efficient in the photostability assay, obtaining a nonsignificant level of degradation and full recovery of LORA.
A Heuristic Framework for Image Filtering and Segmentation: Application to Blood Vessel Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Tsou Chi-Hsuan , Lu Yi-Chien , Yuan Ang , Chang Yeun-Chung , Chen Chung-Ming
Published: December 2015

The blood vessel density in a cancerous tissue sample may represent increased levels of tumor growth. However, identifying blood vessels in the histological (tissue) image is difficult and time-consuming and depends heavily on the observer’s experience. To overcome this drawback, computer-aided image analysis frameworks have been investigated in order to boost object identification in histological images. We present a novel algorithm to automatically abstract the salient regions in blood vessel images. Experimental results show that the proposed framework is capable of deriving vessel boundaries that are comparable to those demarcated manually, even for vessel regions with weak contrast between the object boundaries and background clutter.
Optimal Controller and Controller Based on Differential Flatness in a Linear Guide System: A Performance Comparison of Indexes
Authors: Gómez Becerra Fabio Abel , Olivares Peregrino Víctor Hugo , Blanco Ortega Andrés , Linares Flores Jesús
Published: December 2015

The use of linear slide system has been augmented in recent times due to features granted to supplement electromechanical systems; new technologies have allowed the manufacture of these systems with low coefficients of friction and offer a variety of types of sliding. In this paper, we present a comparison between the performance indexes of two techniques of control applying optimal control LQR (Linear Quadratic Regulator) acronym for STIs in English and the technique of differential flatness controller. The use of linear slide bolt of potency takes into account the dynamics of the DC motor; the Euler-Lagrange formalism was used to establish the mathematical model of the slide. Cosimulation via the MATLAB/Simulink-ADAMS virtual prototype package, including realistic measurement disturbances, is used to compare the performance indexes between the LQR controller versus differential flatness controller for the position tracking of linear guide system.
Impact of pH Management Interval on Biohydrogen Production from Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Wastes by Mesophilic Thermophilic Anaerobic Codigestion
Authors: Arslan Chaudhry , Sattar Asma , Changying Ji , Nasir Abdul , Ali Mari Irshad , Zia Bakht Muhammad
Published: December 2015

The biohydrogen productions from the organic fraction of municipal solid wastes (OFMSW) were studied under pH management intervals of 12 h (PM12) and 24 h (PM24) for temperature of37±0.1°C and55±0.1°C. The OFMSW or food waste (FW) along with its two components, noodle waste (NW) and rice waste (RW), was codigested with sludge to estimate the potential of biohydrogen production. The biohydrogen production was higher in all reactors under PM12 as compared to PM24. The drop in pH from 7 to 5.3 was observed to be appropriate for biohydrogen production via mesophilic codigestion of noodle waste with the highest biohydrogen yield of 145.93 mL/gCODremovedunder PM12. When the temperature was increased from 37°C to 55°C and pH management interval was reduced from 24 h to 12 h, the biohydrogen yields were also changed from 39.21 mL/gCODremovedto 89.67 mL/gCODremoved, 91.77 mL/gCODremovedto 145.93 mL/gCODremoved, and 15.36 mL/gCODremovedto 117.62 mL/gCODremovedfor FW, NW, and RW, respectively. The drop in pH and VFA production was better controlled under PM12 as compared to PM24. Overall, PM12 was found to be an effective mean for biohydrogen production through anaerobic digestion of food waste.
Dynamic Diagnosis Strategy for Redundant Systems Based on Reliability Analysis and Sensors under Epistemic Uncertainty
Authors: Duan Rongxing , Fan Jinghui
Published: December 2015

Fault tolerant technology is often used to improve systems reliability. However, high reliability makes it difficult to get sufficient fault samples, resulting in epistemic uncertainty, which increases significantly challenges in these systems diagnosis. A novel dynamic diagnosis strategy for complex systems is proposed to improve the diagnostic efficiency in the paper, which makes full use of dynamic fault tree, Bayesian networks (BN), fuzzy sets theory, and TOPSIS. Specifically, it uses a dynamic fault tree to model dynamic fault modes and evaluates the failure rates of the basic events using fuzzy sets to deal with epistemic uncertainty. Furthermore, it generates qualitative structure information based on zero-suppressed binary decision diagrams and calculates quantitative parameters provided by reliability analysis using a hybrid approach. Additionally, sensors data are incorporated to update the qualitative information and quantitative parameters. Qualitative information, quantitative parameters, and previous diagnosis result are taken into account to design a new dynamic diagnosis strategy which can locate the fault at the lowest cost. Finally, a case study is given to verify the developed approach and to demonstrate its effectiveness.
Mutanome Engineered RNA Immunotherapy: Towards Patient-Centered Tumor Vaccination
Authors: Vormehr Mathias , Schrörs Barbara , Boegel Sebastian , Löwer Martin , Türeci Özlem , Sahin Ugur
Published: December 2015

Advances in nucleic acid sequencing technologies have revolutionized the field of genomics, allowing the efficient targeting of mutated neoantigens for personalized cancer vaccination. Due to their absence during negative selection of T cells and their lack of expression in healthy tissue, tumor mutations are considered as optimal targets for cancer immunotherapy. Preclinical and early clinical data suggest that synthetic mRNA can serve as potent drug format allowing the cost efficient production of highly efficient vaccines in a timely manner. In this review, we describe a process, which integrates next generation sequencing based cancer mutanome mapping,in silicotarget selection and prioritization approaches, and mRNA vaccine manufacturing and delivery into a process we refer to as MERIT (mutanome engineered RNA immunotherapy).
Dynamics of Mixed Dark Energy Domination in Teleparallel Gravity and Phase-Space Analysis
Authors: Dil Emre , Kolay Erdinç
Published: December 2015

We consider a novel dark energy model to investigate whether it will provide an expanding universe phase. Here we propose a mixed dark energy domination which is constituted by tachyon, quintessence, and phantom scalar fields nonminimally coupled to gravity, in the absence of background dark matter and baryonic matter, in the framework of teleparallel gravity. We perform the phase-space analysis of the model by numerical methods and find the late-time accelerated attractor solutions implying the acceleration phase of universe.