bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functionalization of Carbon Nanofibres Obtained by Floating Catalyst Method
Authors: Fernández Adolfo , Peretyagin Pavel , Solís Washington , Torrecillas Ramón , Borrell Amparo
Published: April 2015

The excellent physicochemical and electrical properties of carbon nanofibres (CNF) combined with the possibility of being produced at industrial scale at reasonable costs have promoted the interest in their use in very diverse areas. However, there are still some drawbacks that must be solved in order to optimize their set of properties such as the presence of impurities or the imperfections in the crystalline structure. In this work, different modification treatments of CNFs produced by the floating catalyst method have been studied. Three types of modification processes have been explored that can be grouped as mechanical, thermal, and chemical functionalization processes. Mechanical processing has allowed solving the agglomeration problem related to CNFs produced by floating catalyst method and the resulting modified product ensures the secure handling of carbon nanofibres. Thermal and chemical treatments lead to purer and more crystalline products by removing catalyst impurities and amorphous carbon. Functionalization processes explored in this work open the possibility of customized posttreatment of carbon nanofibres according to the desired requirements.
Positive Solutions for a Class of Singular Boundary Value Problems with Fractionalq-Difference Equations
Authors: Wang Jufang , Yu Changlong , Guo Yanping
Published: April 2015

We discuss a class of singular boundary value problems of fractionalq-difference equations. Some existence and uniqueness results are obtained by a fixed point theorem in partially ordered sets. Finally, we give an example to illustrate the results.
Transcriptome and Proteome Expression Analysis of the Metabolism of Amino Acids by the FungusAspergillus oryzaein Fermented Soy Sauce
Authors: Zhao Guozhong , Yao Yunping , Wang Chunling , Tian Fengwei , Liu Xiaoming , Hou Lihua , Yang Zhen , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Cao Xiaohong
Published: April 2015

Amino acids comprise the majority of the flavor compounds in soy sauce. A portion of these amino acids are formed from the biosynthesis and metabolism of the fungusAspergillus oryzae; however, the metabolic pathways leading to the formation of these amino acids inA. oryzaeremain largely unknown. We sequenced the transcriptomes ofA. oryzae100-8 andA. oryzae3.042 under similar soy sauce fermentation conditions. 2D gel electrophoresis was also used to find some differences in protein expression. We found that many amino acid hydrolases (endopeptidases, aminopeptidases, and X-pro-dipeptidyl aminopeptidase) were expressed at much higher levels (mostly greater than double) inA. oryzae100-8 than inA. oryzae3.042. Our results indicated that glutamate dehydrogenase may activate the metabolism of amino acids. We also found that the expression levels of some genes changed simultaneously in the metabolic pathways of tyrosine and leucine and that these conserved genes may modulate the function of the metabolic pathway. Such variation in the metabolic pathways of amino acids is important as it can significantly alter the flavor of fermented soy sauce.
The Mixed Finite Element Multigrid Method for Stokes Equations
Authors: Muzhinji K. , Shateyi S. , Motsa S. S.
Published: April 2015

The stable finite element discretization of the Stokes problem produces a symmetric indefinite system of linear algebraic equations. A variety of iterative solvers have been proposed for such systems in an attempt to construct efficient, fast, and robust solution techniques. This paper investigates one of such iterative solvers, the geometric multigrid solver, to find the approximate solution of the indefinite systems. The main ingredient of the multigrid method is the choice of an appropriate smoothing strategy. This study considers the application of different smoothers and compares their effects in the overall performance of the multigrid solver. We study the multigrid method with the following smoothers: distributed Gauss Seidel, inexact Uzawa, preconditioned MINRES, and Braess‐Sarazin type smoothers. A comparative study of the smoothers shows that the Braess‐Sarazin smoothers enhance good performance of the multigrid method. We study the problem in a two‐dimensional domain using stable Hood‐Taylor Q2‐Q1 pair of finite rectangular elements. We also give the main theoretical convergence results. We present the numerical results to demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of the multigrid method and confirm the theoretical results.
EAP-Swift: An Efficient Authentication and Key Generation Mechanism for Resource Constrained WSNs
Authors: Granlund Daniel , Åhlund Christer , Holmlund Patrik
Published: April 2015

Technological advances within the area of wireless sensor technology allow WSNs to be used in a increasing number of measurement scenarios. As new application areas are emerging, such as infrastructure monitoring and smart cities, the need for sensor mobility handling requires efficient and secure authentication protocols. This paper presents EAP-Swift, a novel EAP based authentication protocol with a focus on lightweight processing and faster response. It supports end-to-end session encryption key generation and mutual authentication. By utilizing lightweight hashing algorithms, the challenge-response authentication mechanism uses only two round trips to the AAA server for the complete authentication procedure leading to the reduction of latency by 33% compared to the baseline protocols. Further, using extensive experimentation, we validate that the authentication time can be kept below 250 ms and the power consumption can be kept below 15 mJ. Furthermore, we show that a battery lifetime of more than four years can be achieved when running the system on a regular button cell battery. Finally, the protocol was verified in terms of security using the AVISPA tool.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Activity Studies of Ni(II) Complex with Pyridine as a Ligand
Authors: Islam Faridul , Hossain Md. Amran , Shah Nur Mostaq , Barua Hridika Talukder , Kabir Md. Alamgir , Khan Mohammad Jamshed , Mullick Romel
Published: April 2015

We represent a metal complex which has been synthesized by the simple reaction with Ni(II) chloride and pyridine (as a lignd) affording a complex having the molecular formula [NiC5H5N2Cl2], characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, electronic, infrared,1H NMR,13C NMR spectra, magnetic susceptibility, and also aid of molar conductivity measurement. Conductivity measurement reveals nonelectrolytic nature of the complex. IR and13C NMR spectra reveal the presence ofcis- andtrans-structure. On the basis of above analyses the square planarcis- andtrans-structures are proposed for the prepared complex.
Diagnosing and Ranking Retinopathy Disease Level Using Diabetic Fundus Image Recuperation Approach
Authors: Somasundaram K. , Alli Rajendran P.
Published: April 2015

Retinal fundus images are widely used in diagnosing different types of eye diseases. The existing methods such as Feature Based Macular Edema Detection (FMED) and Optimally Adjusted Morphological Operator (OAMO) effectively detected the presence of exudation in fundus images and identified the true positive ratio of exudates detection, respectively. These mechanically detected exudates did not include more detailed feature selection technique to the system for detection of diabetic retinopathy. To categorize the exudates, Diabetic Fundus Image Recuperation (DFIR) method based on sliding window approach is developed in this work to select the features of optic cup in digital retinal fundus images. The DFIR feature selection uses collection of sliding windows with varying range to obtain the features based on the histogram value using Group Sparsity Nonoverlapping Function. Using support vector model in the second phase, the DFIR method based on Spiral Basis Function effectively ranks the diabetic retinopathy disease level. The ranking of disease level on each candidate set provides a much promising result for developing practically automated and assisted diabetic retinopathy diagnosis system. Experimental work on digital fundus images using the DFIR method performs research on the factors such as sensitivity, ranking efficiency, and feature selection time.
A New Approach to Define and Diagnose Cardiometabolic Disorder in Children
Authors: Andersen Lars Bo , Lauersen Jeppe Bo , Brønd Jan Christian , Anderssen Sigmund Alfred , Sardinha Luis B. , Steene-Johannessen Jostein , McMurray Robert G. , Barros Mauro V. G. , Kriemler Susi , Møller Niels Christian , Bugge Anna , Kristensen Peter Lund , Ried-Larsen Mathias , Grøntved Anders , Ekelund Ulf
Published: April 2015

The aim of the study was to test the performance of a new definition of metabolic syndrome (MetS), which better describes metabolic dysfunction in children.Methods. 15,794 youths aged 6–18 years participated. Meanz-score for CVD risk factors was calculated. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate which parameters best described the metabolic dysfunction by analysing the score against independent variables not included in the score.Results. More youth had clustering of CVD risk factors (>6.2%) compared to the number selected by existing MetS definitions (International Diabetes Federation (IDF) < 1%). Waist circumference and BMI were interchangeable, but using insulin resistance homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) instead of fasting glucose increased the score. The continuous MetS score was increased when cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and leptin were included. A meanz-score of 0.40–0.85 indicated borderline and above 0.85 indicated clustering of risk factors. A noninvasive risk score based on adiposity and CRF showed sensitivity and specificity of 0.85 and an area under the curve of 0.92 against IDF definition of MetS.Conclusions. Diagnosis for MetS in youth can be improved by using continuous variables for risk factors and by including CRF and leptin.
Mapping Biophysical Parameters for Land Surface Modeling over the Continental US Using MODIS and Landsat
Authors: Bounoua Lahouari , Zhang Ping , Thome Kurtis , Masek Jeffrey , Safia Abdelmounaime , Imhoff Marc L. , Wolfe Robert E.
Published: April 2015

In terms of the space cities occupy, urbanization appears as a minor land transformation. However, it permanently modifies land’s ecological functions, altering its carbon, energy, and water fluxes. It is therefore necessary to develop a land cover characterization at fine spatial and temporal scales to capture urbanization’s effects on surface fluxes. We develop a series of biophysical vegetation parameters such as the fraction of photosynthetically active radiation, leaf area index, vegetation greenness fraction, and roughness length over the continental US using MODIS and Landsat products for 2001. A 13-class land cover map was developed at a climate modeling grid (CMG) merging the 500 m MODIS land cover and the 30 m impervious surface area from the National Land Cover Database. The landscape subgrid heterogeneity was preserved using fractions of each class from the 500 m and 30 m into the CMG. Biophysical parameters were computed using the 8-day composite Normalized Difference Vegetation Index produced by the North American Carbon Program. In addition to urban impact assessments, this dataset is useful for the computation of surface fluxes in land, vegetation, and urban models and is expected to be widely used in different land cover and land use change applications.
Intraoperative Optical Coherence Tomography Using the RESCAN 700: Preliminary Results in Collagen Crosslinking
Authors: Pahuja Natasha , Shetty Rohit , Jayadev Chaitra , Nuijts Rudy , Hedge Bharath , Arora Vishal
Published: April 2015

Purpose. To compare the penetration of riboflavin using a microscope-integrated real time spectral domain optical coherence tomography (ZEISS OPMI LUMERA 700 and ZEISS RESCAN 700) in keratoconus patients undergoing accelerated collagen crosslinking (ACXL) between epithelium on (epi-on) and epithelium off (epi-off).Methods. Intraoperative images were obtained during each of the procedures. Seven keratoconus patients underwent epi-on ACXL and four underwent epi-off ACXL. A software tool was developed using Microsoft.NET and Open Computer Vision (OpenCV) libraries for image analysis. Pre- and postprocedure images were analyzed for changes in the corneal hyperreflectance pattern as a measure of the depth of riboflavin penetration.Results. The mean corneal hyperreflectance in the epi-on group was 12.97 ± 1.49 gray scale units (GSU) before instillation of riboflavin and 14.46 ± 2.09 GSU after AXCL (P= 0.019) while in the epi-off group it was 11.43 ± 2.68 GSU and 16.98 ± 8.49 GSU, respectively (P= 0.002). The average depth of the band of hyperreflectance in the epi-on group was 149.39 ± 15.63 microns and in the epi-off group it was 191.04 ± 32.18 microns.Conclusion. This novelin vivo, real time imaging study demonstrates riboflavin penetration during epi-on and epi-off ACXL.
Modified Function Projective Synchronization of Financial Hyperchaotic Systems via Adaptive Impulsive Controller with Unknown Parameters
Authors: Cai Guoliang , Zhang Lingling , Yao Lan , Fang Xiulei
Published: April 2015

Modified function projective synchronization via adaptive impulsive controller between two different financial hyperchaotic systems is investigated, where the external uncertainties are considered. The updated laws of the unknown parameters are given and the sufficient conditions are deduced based on Lyapunov stability theorem and the stability analysis of impulsive system. Finally, the two financial hyperchaotic systems are taken for example and the numerical examples are worked through for illustrating the main results.
Visual Tracking Using an Insect Vision Embedded Particle Filter
Authors: Guo Wei , Zhao Qingjie , Gu Dongbing
Published: April 2015

Particle filtering (PF) based object tracking algorithms have drawn great attention from lots of scholars. The core of PF is to predict the possible location of the target via the state transition model. One commonly adopted approach is resorting to prior motion cues under the smooth motion assumption, which performs well when the target moves with a relatively stable velocity. However, it would possibly fail if the target is undergoing abrupt motion. To address this problem, inspired by insect vision, we propose a simple yet effective visual tracking framework based on PF. Utilizing the neuronal computational model of the insect vision, we estimate the motion of the target in a novel way so as to refine the position state of propagated particles using more accurate transition mode. Furthermore, we design a novel sample optimization framework where local and global search strategies are jointly used. In addition, we propose a new method to monitor long duration severe occlusion and we could recover the target. Experiments on publicly available benchmark video sequences demonstrate that the proposed tracking algorithm outperforms the state-of-the art methods in challenging scenarios, especially for tracking target which is undergoing abrupt motion or fast movement.
Weight-RSS: A Calibration-Free and Robust Method for WLAN-Based Indoor Positioning
Authors: Zheng Zengwei , Chen Yuanyi , He Tao , Li Fei , Chen Dan
Published: April 2015

Wi-Fi fingerprinting has become a promising solution for indoor positioning with the rapid deployment of WLAN and the growing popularity of mobile devices. In fingerprint-based positioning, the received signal strengths (RSS) from WLAN access points (APs) usually are regarded as positioning fingerprint to label physical location. However, the RSS variance caused by heterogeneous devices and dynamic environmental status will significantly degrade the positioning accuracy. In this paper, we first show the RSS variance based on a real dataset and analyze the relation existing in the RSS raw values. Then, we utilize both the raw RSS values and their relation to construct a new stable and robust fingerprint for indoor positioning. Experiment results indicate that our method can solve the RSS variance problem without any manual calibration.
Robust Discrimination between Single Gold Nanoparticles and Their Dimers in Aqueous Solution for Ultrasensitive Homogeneous Bioassays
Authors: Kobayashi Jun , Takeshita Yukari , Mizuno Naoto , Esashika Keio , Saiki Toshiharu
Published: April 2015

We propose a robust method to distinguish isolated single gold nanoparticles (AuNP monomers) and their dimers under Brownian motion, a key for ultrasensitive homogeneous bioassays, including AuNP sandwich assays. To detect dimers and distinguish them from a larger number of monomers in aqueous solution, single-particle polarization microscopy was performed. For the accurate detection of individual particles, the optical anisotropy and rotational diffusion time are measured because a dimer is much more anisotropic than the nearly spherical monomer and the rotational diffusion time of a dimer is four times that of a monomer. By employing an autocorrelation analysis, we defined a measure of distinguishing that simultaneously enables high detection probability and low error probability. The detection platform offers homogeneous DNA hybridization assays and immunoassays at the subpicomolar level.
Oxidative Stress in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: Effect of Extracts of Fermented Papaya Powder
Authors: Barbagallo Mario , Marotta Francesco , Dominguez Ligia J.
Published: April 2015

Brain tissue is particularly susceptible to oxidative stress (OS). Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced antioxidant systems, and decreased efficiency in repairing mechanisms have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Postmortem studies in AD patients’ brains have shown oxidative damage markers (i.e., lipid peroxidation, protein oxidative damage, and glycoxidation). Fermented papaya (FPP, a product of Carica papaya Linn fermentation with yeast) is a nutraceutical supplement with favorable effects on immunological, hematological, inflammatory, and OS parameters in chronic/degenerative diseases. We studied 40 patients (age 78.2 ± 1.1 years), 28 AD patients, and 12 controls. Urinary 8‐OHdG was measured to assess OS. Twenty AD patients were supplemented with FPP (Immunage, 4.5 grams/day) for 6 months, while controls did not receive any treatment. At baseline, 8‐OHdG was significantly higher in patients with AD versus controls (13.7 ± 1.61 ng/mL versus 1.6 ± 0.12 ng/mL, P < 0.01). In AD patients FPP significantly decreased 8‐OHdG (14.1 ± 1.7 ng/mL to 8.45 ± 1.1 ng/mL, P < 0.01), with no significant changes in controls. AD is associated with increased OS, and FPP may be helpful to counteract excessive ROS in AD patients.
An Extended TODIM Method for Group Decision Making with the Interval Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Li Yanwei , Shan Yuqing , Liu Peide
Published: April 2015

For a multiple-attribute group decision-making problem with interval intuitionistic fuzzy sets, a method based on extended TODIM is proposed. First, the concepts of interval intuitionistic fuzzy set and its algorithms are defined, and then the entropy method to determine the weights is put forward. Then, based on the Hamming distance and the Euclidean distance of the interval intuitionistic fuzzy set, both of which have been defined, function mapping is given for the attribute. Finally, to solve multiple-attribute group decision-making problems using interval intuitionistic fuzzy sets, a method based on extended TODIM is put forward, and a case that deals with the site selection of airport terminals is given to prove the method.
HMGB‐1 as a Novel Predictor of Disease Severity and Prognosis in Patients with Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
Authors: Du Hong , Li Jing , Yu Haitao , Lian Jianqi , Zhang Ye , Zhang Ying , Bai Xuefan , Wang Pingzhong
Published: April 2015

Objective. To examine the predictive capacity of the high mobility group box protein‐1 (HMGB‐1) for disease severity and prognosis of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Methods. One hundred and five HFRS patients and 28 controls were studied. The concentrations of HMGB‐1 in the blood were measured with a commercially available ELISA. The levels of white blood cells (WBC), platelets (PLT), hematocrit (HCT), albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), and uric acid (UA) were routinely tested in the same time frame. Results. The levels of HMGB‐1 increased with the severity of the disease (P < 0.001). HMGB‐1 was positively correlated with WBC and BUN and negatively correlated with PLT, ALB, and UA (P < 0.001). HMGB‐1 showed statistical significance for predicting prognosis (AUC = 0.800, P < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of HMGB‐1, WBC, PLT, and ALB used in combination for predicting outcome were better than those of single analyses (AUC = 0.892, P < 0.001). Conclusions. HMGB‐1 can be considered a novel biomarker for severity and outcome in patients with HFRS. The use of HMGB‐1, WBC, PLT, and ALB in combination to predict the outcome in patients with HFRS exhibited an acceptable level of diagnostic capability.
A Secure User Authentication Scheme against Smart-Card Loss Attack for Wireless Sensor Networks Using Symmetric Key Techniques
Authors: Chen Lei , Wei Fushan , Ma Chuangui
Published: April 2015

User authentication in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is a critical security issue due to their unattended and hostile deployment in the field. In order to protect the security of real-time data query from an external user, many two-factor (password and smart-card) user authentication schemes are proposed. However, most of them are insecure against various attacks. This paper summarizes attacks and security requirements for two-factor user authentication in WSNs. Based on security requirements, a user authentication and session key establishment scheme is also proposed, and this scheme can resist smart-card loss attack merely by using symmetric key techniques. Security and performance analysis demonstrate that, compared to the existing schemes, the proposed approach is more secure and highly efficient.
Evaluation of Steel Shear Walls Behavior with Sinusoidal and Trapezoidal Corrugated Plates
Authors: Hosseinpour Emad , Baharom Shahrizan , Yadollahi Yasser
Published: April 2015

Reinforcement of structures aims to control the input energy of unnatural and natural forces. In the past four decades, steel shear walls are utilized in huge constructions in some seismic countries such as Japan, United States, and Canada to lessen the risk of destructive forces. The steel shear walls are divided into two types: unstiffened and stiffened. In the former, a series of plates (sinusoidal and trapezoidal corrugated) with light thickness are used that have the postbuckling field property under overall buckling. In the latter, steel profile belt series are employed as stiffeners with different arrangement: horizontal, vertical, or diagonal in one side or both sides of wall. In the unstiffened walls, increasing the thickness causes an increase in the wall capacity under large forces in tall structures. In the stiffened walls, joining the stiffeners to the wall is costly and time consuming. The ANSYS software was used to analyze the different models of unstiffened one-story steel walls with sinusoidal and trapezoidal corrugated plates under lateral load. The obtained results demonstrated that, in the walls with the same dimensions, the trapezoidal corrugated plates showed higher ductility and ultimate bearing compared to the sinusoidal corrugated plates.
Discontinuous Deformation Analysis Enriched by the Bonding Block Model
Authors: Sun Yue , Chen Qian , Feng Xiangchu , Wang Ying
Published: April 2015

The discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) has been extensively applied in geotechnical engineering owing to its salient merits in the modeling of discontinuities. However, this method assumes a constant stress field within every block and hence cannot provide reliable estimation for block deformations and stresses. This paper proposes a novel scheme to improve the accuracy of the DDA. In our method, advanced subdivision is introduced to represent a block as an assembly of triangular or quadrilateral elements, in which overlapped element edges are separated from each other and are glued together by bonding springs. The accuracy and the effectiveness of the proposed method are illustrated by three numerical experiments for both continuous and discontinuous problems.
Multiplication Operator with BMO Symbols and Berezin Transform
Authors: Feng Xue , Zhang Kan , Dong Jianguo , Liu Xianmin , Guan Chi
Published: April 2015

We discuss multiplication operator with a special symbol on the weighted Bergman space of the unit ball. We give the necessary and sufficient conditions for the compactness of multiplication operator on the weighted Bergman space of the unit ball.
Design of a Wireless Sensor Network Monitoring System for Biological and Pharmaceutical Products
Authors: Wu Chun Ho , Ng Chun Kit , Wang Lixing , Ho G. T. S. , Ip W. H. , Zhang J.
Published: April 2015

Biological and pharmaceutical (B&P) products are essential in modern life. Currently, the demand and requirements of these products are dramatically growing; product quality and integrity then become crucial. As a key factor for ensuring quality and integrity, the current product status monitoring system needs to be enhanced in a more sophisticated and comprehensive way. This research describes the design of a wireless sensor network (WSN) monitoring system for B&P products supply chain management. In this study, the system architecture is presented based on the proposed framework. The framework consists of three processes: the first one is to generate a WSN with full coverage, the second one is to determine the optimal position of the sink, and the last process is to add additional relay nodes for providing fault tolerance to the network. Finally, a feasibility test on B&P product storage in a hospital is conducted. The proposed system provides a systematic approach for the deployment of sensor nodes and relay nodes. It also provides a relatively simple and rapid method for industries in general to follow and implement when designing a WSN system.
New Current-Mode Integrated Ternary Min/Max Circuits without Constant Independent Current Sources
Authors: Moradi Mona , Faghih Mirzaee Reza , Navi Keivan
Published: April 2015

Novel designs of current-mode Ternary minimum (AND) and maximum (OR) are proposed in this paper based on Carbon NanoTube Field Effect Transistors (CNTFET). First, these Ternary operators are designed separately. Then, they are combined together in order to generate both outputs concurrently in an integrated design. This integration results in the elimination of common parts when both functions are required at the same time. The third proposed current-mode integrated circuit generates both ternary operators with the usage of only 30 transistors. The new designs are composed of three main parts: (1) the part which converts current to voltage; (2) threshold detectors; and (3) the parallel paths through which the output current flows. Unlike the previously presented structure, there is no need for any constant current source within the new designs. This elimination leads to less static power dissipation. The second proposed current-mode segregated Ternary minimum operates 43% faster and consumes 40% less power in comparison with a previously presented structure.
The Simulation and Experiment of a Non-Cross-Feeding Printed Log-Periodic Antenna
Authors: Kang Chun-Ying , Lin Shu , Zhao Zhi-Hua , Jing Li-Wen
Published: April 2015

A non-cross-fed printed log-periodic antenna is simulated and studied experimentally. To avoid complex feeding with long coaxial line, the non-cross-feeding structure is applied in this antenna. The software CST Microwave Studio is employed to simulate the proposed antenna, and the optimized antenna model is obtained. According to the simulation results, the antenna prototype is produced and measured. Simulation and measured results show that the antenna is withS11<-10 dB in band of 4.2–9.2 GHz. And the radiation pattern and gain vary steadily in this band, which achieves requirements for wideband antenna. This antenna design can be extended to the design of the antenna integrated in communication circuit.
Present and Future in the Treatment of Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Quiroga Borja , Arroyo David , de Arriba Gabriel
Published: April 2015

Diabetic kidney disease is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Albuminuria is recognized as the most important prognostic factor for chronic kidney disease progression. For this reason, blockade of renin-angiotensin system remains the main recommended strategy, with either angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers. However, other antiproteinuric treatments have begun to be studied, such as direct renin inhibitors or aldosterone blockers. Beyond antiproteinuric treatments, other drugs such as pentoxifylline or bardoxolone have yielded conflicting results. Finally, alternative pathogenic pathways are being explored, and emerging therapies including antifibrotic agents, endothelin receptor antagonists, or transcription factors show promising results. The aim of this review is to explain the advances in newer agents to treat diabetic kidney disease, along with the background of the renin-angiotensin system blockade.
Structural Integration as an Adjunct to Outpatient Rehabilitation for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Pilot Clinical Trial
Authors: Jacobson Eric E. , Meleger Alec L. , Bonato Paolo , Wayne Peter M. , Langevin Helene M. , Kaptchuk Ted J. , Davis Roger B.
Published: April 2015

Structural Integration (SI) is an alternative method of manipulation and movement education. To obtain preliminary data on feasibility, effectiveness, and adverse events (AE), 46 outpatients from Boston area with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) were randomized to parallel treatment groups of SI plus outpatient rehabilitation (OR)versusOR alone. Feasibility data were acceptable except for low compliance with OR and lengthy recruitment time. Intent-to-treat data on effectiveness were analyzed by Wilcoxon rank sum,n=23per group. Median reductions in VAS Pain, the primary outcome, of-26 mm in SI + ORversus0 in OR alone were not significantly different(P=0.075). Median reductions in RMDQ, the secondary outcome, of-2 points in SI + ORversus0 in OR alone were significantly different(P=0.007). Neither the proportions of participants with nor the seriousness of AE were significantly different. SI as an adjunct to OR for CNSLBP is not likely to provide additional reductions in pain but is likely to augment short term improvements in disability with a low additional burden of AE. A more definitive trial is feasible, but OR compliance and recruitment might be challenging. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01322399).
The Role of Vaspin in the Development of Metabolic and Glucose Tolerance Disorders and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Dimova Rumyana , Tankova Tsvetalina
Published: April 2015

In recent years, most research efforts have been focused on studying insulin-sensitizing adipokines. One of the most recently discovered adipokines is vaspin, a visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor. Vaspin levels have been found significantly increased in mice with obesity and insulin resistance. It has been assumed that vaspin serves as an insulin sensitizer with anti-inflammatory effects and might act as a compensatory mechanism in response to decreased insulin sensitivity. Most studies in humans have shown a positive correlation between vaspin gene expression and serum levels, and metabolic syndrome parameters. Vaspin gene expression is influenced by age and gender, and the administration of insulin sensitizers enhances it in mice, whereas the use of metformin decreases serum vaspin levels in humans, probably due to different regulatory mechanisms. Presumably vaspin plays local and endocrine role in the development of initial and advanced atherosclerosis in obese subjects and might be used as a predictor of coronary and cerebrovascular disease. It is believed that vaspin could be regarded as a new link between obesity and related metabolic disorders, including glucose intolerance. The entire understanding of vaspin intimate mechanism of action might enable the development of novel etiology-based treatment strategies, targeting metabolic and glucose tolerance disorders.
Application of LCD-SVD Technique and CRO-SVM Method to Fault Diagnosis for Roller Bearing
Authors: Luo Songrong , Cheng Junsheng , Ao HungLinh
Published: April 2015

Targeting the nonlinear and nonstationary characteristics of vibration signal from fault roller bearing and scarcity of fault samples, a novel method is presented and applied to roller bearing fault diagnosis in this paper. Firstly, the nonlinear and nonstationary vibration signal produced by local faults of roller bearing is decomposed into intrinsic scale components (ISCs) by using local characteristic-scale decomposition (LCD) method and initial feature vector matrices are obtained. Secondly, fault feature values are extracted by singular value decomposition (SVD) techniques to obtain singular values, while avoiding the selection of reconstruction parameters. Thirdly, a support vector machine (SVM) classifier based on Chemical Reaction Optimization (CRO) algorithm, called CRO-SVM method, is designed for classification of fault location. Lastly, the proposed method is validated by two experimental datasets. Experimental results show that the proposed method based LCD-SVD technique and CRO-SVM method have higher classification accuracy and shorter cost time than the comparative methods.
Evaluation ofCandidaColonization and Specific Humoral Responses againstCandida albicansin Patients with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Javad Ghaffari , Taheri Sarvtin Mehdi , Hedayati Mohammad Taghi , Hajheydari Zohreh , Yazdani Jamshid , Shokohi Tahereh
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to assess the candidal colonization and specific humoral responses againstCandida albicansin patients with atopic dermatitis. One hundred patients with atopic dermatitis and 50 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. Skin and oral specimens from all participants were cultured on CHROMagarCandidamedium. Isolated yeasts were identified by using the sequence of the D1/D2 domain of the 26S rRNA gene. ELISA was used for detection of IgM, IgA, and IgG antibodies againstC. albicansin sera of participants.Candidaspecies were isolated from the skin and oral cavity of 31% of the patients and 12% of the controls. There was no significant difference betweenCandidacolonization in patients and controls (P>0.05).Candida albicanswas isolated from the skin and oral cavity of 23% of the patients and 6% of the controls (P< 0.05). There were no significant differences between serum levels of IgM and IgA in patients and controls (P>0.05). Serum level of IgG was significantly lower in patients than in controls (P<0.05). Type ofCandidacolonization can change in patients with atopic dermatitis. In addition, these patients have abnormalities in the production of antibodies againstCandida albicansthat may have a role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis.

Corrigendum to “Evaluation ofCandidaColonization and Specific Humoral Responses againstCandida albicansin Patients with Atopic Dermatitis”
Metabolomics Analysis of Seminal Plasma in Infertile Males with Kidney-Yang Deficiency: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Chen Xiang , Hu Chao , Dai Jican , Chen Lei
Published: April 2015

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an important treatment for male infertility, and its application to therapy is dependent on differentiation of TCM syndromes. This study aims to investigate the changes in metabolites and metabolic pathways in infertile males with Kidney-Yang Deficiency syndrome (KYDS) via metabolomics approaches. Seminal plasma samples were collected from 18 infertile males with KYDS and 18 fertile males. Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were used to characterize metabolomics profiles. Principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares-discriminate analysis (PLS-DA), and pathway analysis were used for pattern recognition and metabolite identification. PCA and PLS-DA results differentiated the two groups of patients. Forty-one discriminating metabolites (18 in positive mode and 23 in negative mode) were identified. Seven metabolites were related to five potential metabolic pathways associated with biosynthesis and metabolism of aromatic amino acids, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and sphingolipid metabolism. The changes in metabolic pathways may play an important role in the origin of KYDS-associated male infertility. Metabolomics analysis of seminal plasma may be used to differentiate TCM syndromes of infertile males, but further research must be conducted.
Secure Mobile Agent from Leakage-Resilient Proxy Signatures
Authors: Tang Fei , Li Hongda , Niu Qihua , Liang Bei
Published: April 2015

A mobile agent can sign a message in a remote server on behalf of a customer without exposing its secret key; it can be used not only to search for special products or services, but also to make a contract with a remote server. Hence a mobile agent system can be used for electronic commerce as an important key technology. In order to realize such a system, Lee et al. showed that a secure mobile agent can be constructed using proxy signatures. Intuitively, a proxy signature permits an entity (delegator) to delegate its signing right to another entity (proxy) to sign some specified messages on behalf of the delegator. However, the proxy signatures are often used in scenarios where the signing is done in an insecure environment, for example, the remote server of a mobile agent system. In such setting, an adversary could launch side-channel attacks to exploit some leakage information about the proxy key or even other secret states. The proxy signatures which are secure in the traditional security models obviously cannot provide such security. Based on this consideration, in this paper, we design a leakage-resilient proxy signature scheme for the secure mobile agent systems.
Malaria Parasite Density Estimated with White Blood Cells Count Reference Value Agrees with Density Estimated with Absolute in Children Less Than 5 Years in Central Ghana
Authors: Adu-Gyasi Dennis , Asante Kwaku Poku , Newton Sam , Amoako Sabastina , Dosoo David , Ankrah Love , Adjei George , Amenga-Etego Seeba , Owusu-Agyei Seth
Published: April 2015

Introduction. The estimation of malaria parasite density using a microscope heavily relies on White Blood Cells (WBCs) counts. An assumed WBCs count of 8000/µL has been accepted as reasonably accurate in estimating malaria parasite densities due to the challenge to accurately determine WBCs count. Method. The study used 4944 pieces of laboratory data of consented participants of age group less than 5 years. The study compared parasite densities of absolute WBCs, assumed WBCs, and the WBCs reference values in Central Ghana. Ethical approvals were given by three ethics committees. Results. The mean (±SD) WBCs and geometric mean parasite density (GMPD) were 10500/µL (±4.1) and 10644/µL (95% CI 9986/µL to 11346/µL), respectively. The difference in the GMPD compared using absolute WBCs and densities of assumed WBCs was significantly lower. The difference in GMPD obtained with an assumed WBCs count and that of the WBCs reference values for the study area, 10400/µL and 9200/µL for children in different age groups, were not significant. Discussion. Significant errors could result when assumed WBCs count is used to estimate malaria parasite density in children. GMPD generated with WBCs reference values statistically agreed with density from the absolute WBCs. When obtaining absolute WBC is not possible, the reference value can be used to estimate parasite density.
Simultaneous Approximation for Generalized Srivastava-Gupta Operators
Authors: Acar Tuncer , Mishra Lakshmi Narayan , Mishra Vishnu Narayan
Published: April 2015

We introduce a new Stancu type generalization of Srivastava-Gupta operators to approximate integrable functions on the interval0,∞and estimate the rate of convergence for functions having derivatives of bounded variation. Also we present simultenaous approximation by new operators in the end of the paper.
Precipitable Water Vapor Estimates in the Australian Region from Ground-Based GPS Observations
Authors: Choy Suelynn , Wang Chuan-Sheng , Yeh Ta-Kang , Dawson John , Jia Minghai , Kuleshov Yuriy
Published: April 2015

We present a comparison of atmospheric precipitable water vapor (PWV) derived from ground-based global positioning system (GPS) receiver with traditional radiosonde measurement and very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) technique for a five-year period (2008–2012) using Australian GPS stations. These stations were selectively chosen to provide a representative regional distribution of sites while ensuring conventional meteorological observations were available. Good agreement of PWV estimates was found between GPS and VLBI comparison with a mean difference of less than 1 mm and standard deviation of 3.5 mm and a mean difference and standard deviation of 0.1 mm and 4.0 mm, respectively, between GPS and radiosonde measurements. Systematic errors have also been discovered during the course of this study, which highlights the benefit of using GPS as a supplementary atmospheric PWV sensor and calibration system. The selected eight GPS sites sample different climates across Australia covering an area of approximately 30° NS/EW. It has also shown that the magnitude and variation of PWV estimates depend on the amount of moisture in the atmosphere, which is a function of season, topography, and other regional climate conditions.
Korean-Origin Kindergarten Children’s Response to African-American Characters in Race-Themed Picture Books
Authors: Kim So Jung
Published: April 2015

In spite of the contributions of previous studies about multicultural education, children’s literature, and teaching for social justice, no study had investigated their intersection. This qualitative case study explores how kindergarten-age Korean children respond to African-American characters in picture books during read-alouds. The data were collected by audio-recordings, open-ended interviews, children’s artifacts, and observational field notes. One of the findings was that the children exhibited resistance to black characters, and their resistance was shaped within their larger social and cultural surroundings such as the parents’ racial views towards black people and the dominant racial discourse of Korean community. Findings suggest that the goal of a literacy program in bilingual children’s classrooms has to be that students learn not only about biliteracy skills but also about the value and meaning of the human experience in our pluralistic society.
Culturing Uveal Melanoma Cells
Authors: Angi Martina , Versluis Mieke , Kalirai Helen
Published: April 2015

A major challenge in cancer research is the use of appropriate models with which to study a specific biological question. Cell lines have long been used to study cellular processes and the effects of individual molecules because they are easy to use, grow rapidly, produce reproducible results and have a strong track record in research. In uveal melanoma in particular, the absence of animal models that faithfully replicate the behavior of the human disease has propagated the generation and use of numerous cell lines by individual research groups. This in itself, however, can be viewed as a problem due to the lack of standardization when characterizing these entities to determine how closely they reflect the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of this disease. The alternative is to use in vitro primary cultures of cells obtained directly from uveal melanoma patient samples, but this too has its difficulties. Primary cell cultures are difficult to use, hard to obtain and can show considerable heterogeneity. In this article, we review the following: (1) the uveal melanoma cell lines that are currently available, discussing the importance of establishing a bank of those that represent the molecular heterogeneity of uveal melanoma; (2) the methods used to isolate and perform short-term cultures of primary uveal melanoma cells, and (3) the establishment of 3D tissue culture models that bridge the gap between 2D in vitro systems and in vivo models with which to dissect cancer biology and perform therapeutic screens.
Uveal Melanoma Patient-Derived Xenografts
Authors: Carita Guillaume , Némati Fariba , Decaudin Didier
Published: April 2015

The prognosis of uveal melanoma (UM) remains poor due to a high risk of metastatic disease. No effective therapies have been described for metastatic UM, and new therapies are needed to improve the outcome for these patients. To achieve this goal, new preclinical animal models are needed. Existing animal models, including genetically engineered mice and orthotopic xenograft models in immunodeficient animals, are inadequate for modelling human disease. In this review, we present the development and characterization of a large panel of UM patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Based on molecular features as identified in patient tumors, i.e. histopathological classification, specific gene mutations, as well as genomic and gene expression profiles, we show that PDXs closely resemble many important genetic and histological aspects of human UM with a remarkable stability over the course of their in vivo maintenance. Our techniques for establishing and maintaining primary UMs as xenograft tumors in immunodeficient mice provide a high degree of genetic conservation between the primary tumor and its xenograft over multiple in vivo passages. These models therefore represent a significant advance in the resources available for drug screening and studies of the pathogenesis of UM.
Predictors of Finding Occult Atrial Fibrillation After Cryptogenic Stroke
Authors: Favilla Christopher G. , Ingala Erin , Jara Jenny , Fessler Emily , Cucchiara Brett , Messé Steven R. , Mullen Michael T. , Prasad Allyson , Siegler James , Hutchinson Mathew D. , Kasner Scott E.
Published: April 2015

Background and Purpose—

Occult paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) is found in a substantial minority of patients with cryptogenic stroke. Identifying reliable predictors of paroxysmal AF after cryptogenic stroke would allow clinicians to more effectively use outpatient cardiac monitoring and ultimately reduce secondary stroke burden.

Methods—

We analyzed a retrospective cohort of consecutive patients who underwent 28-day mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry after cryptogenic stroke or transient ischemic stroke. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify clinical, echocardiographic, and radiographic features associated with the detection of paroxysmal AF.

Results—

Of 227 patients with cryptogenic stroke (179) or transient ischemic stroke (48), 14% (95% confidence interval, 9%–18%) had AF detected on mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry, 58% of which was ≥30 seconds in duration. Age >60 years (odds ratio, 3.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–11) and prior cortical or cerebellar infarction seen on neuroimaging (odds ratio, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–7.6) were independent predictors of AF. AF was detected in 33% of patients with both factors, but only 4% of patients with neither. No other clinical features (including demographics, CHA
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DS
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-VASc [combined stroke risk score: congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes, prior stroke/transient ischemic attack, vascular disease, sex] score, or stroke symptoms), echocardiographic findings (including left atrial size or ejection fraction), or radiographic characteristics of the acute infarction (including location, topology, or number) were associated with AF detection.

Conclusions—

Mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry detects AF in a substantial proportion of cryptogenic stroke patients. Age >60 years and radiographic evidence of prior cortical or cerebellar infarction are robust indicators of occult AF. Patients with neither had a low prevalence of AF.