bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Processing of Words and Faces by Patients with Left and Right Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Ellis Andrew W. , Hillam Jonathan C. , Cardno Alistair , Kay Janice
Published: March 2014

Tests of word and face processing were given to patients with complex partial epilepsy focussed on the left or right temporal lobe, and to non-epileptic control subjects. The left TLE group showed the greatest impairment on object naming and on reading tests, but the right TLE group also showed a lesser impairment relative to the normal control subjects on both tests. The right TLE group was selectively impaired on distinguishing famous from non-famous faces while the left TLE group was impaired at naming famous faces they had successfully recognized as familiar. There was no significant difference between the three groups on recognition memory for words. The implications of the results for theories of the role of the temporal lobes in word and face processing, and the possible neural mechanisms responsible for the deficits in TLE patients, are discussed.
“Alice in Wonderland” Syndrome: A Manifestation of Infectious Mononucleosis in Children
Authors: Lahat Eliezer , Eshel Gideon , Arlazoroff Aharon
Published: March 2014

The association between “Alice in Wonderland” Syndrome (AWS) and infectious mononucleosis (IM) has been previously described in three patients. We describe two additional cases in children, where in one case, the visual symptoms of AWS appeared during the course of active IM and in the second, 2 weeks following a clinically mild, but serologically proven attack.
Magnetic Attraction of Gaze: Further Evidence of Hemispheric Imbalance in Schizophrenia?
Authors: Unnithan S. B. , David A. S. , Cutting J. C.
Published: March 2014

A case is reported of a young man with a clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia and unusual oculo-motor abnormalities. The relationship between oculo-motor dysfunction and hemispheric balance in schizophrenia is discussed.
Long Term Neuropsychological Follow-Up in Patients With Herpes Simplex Encephalitis and Predominantly Left-Sided Lesions
Authors: Laurent B. , Allegri R. F. , Thomas-Anterion C. , Foyatier N. , Naegele-Faure B. , Pellat J.
Published: March 2014

Five patients with predominantly dominant cerebral hemisphere lesions due to herpes simplex encephalitis are described. Verbal amnesia was the main deficit but amnesic aphasia sometimes associated with impairment of remote memory also occurred. Semantic and episodic memory deficits were also explored in one case and the role of the right cerebral hemisphere in facilitating recovery of learning is discussed.
Matching Top–Bottom Parts of Facial Expressions by Brain-Damaged Patients
Authors: Asthana Hari S. , Mandal Manas K. , Tandon Shiv C. , Asthana Sanjay
Published: March 2014

Patients with focal brain-damage, right/left hemisphere-damage (RHD/LHD) and anterior/posterior region-damage (ARD/PRD), and normal controls (NC) were asked to match photographs of top–bottom facial parts expressing different emotions, positive (happy, surprise), negative–aroused (fear, anger), negative–nonaroused (sad, disgust). The LHD patients performed significantly worse than the RHD patients, and the ARD patients were significantly worse than the PRD patients, in the perceptual-matching task with affective stimuli. NC subjects performed significantly better than any of the brain damaged sub-groups.
Convulsive Tic Disorder Georges Gilles de la Tourette, Guinon and Grasset on the Phenomenology and Psychopathology of Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Robertson Mary M. , Reinstein Dan Z.
Published: March 2014

Gilles de la Tourette gained eponymous fame when he described nine cases of multiple tics, coprolalia and echolalia, and later he, Guinon and Grasset were the first to document the psychopathology of the Gilles de la Tourette syndrome. In particular, they noted the association between obsessional thoughts and behaviours and the tic disorder. In this paper we present the first English translations of their works referring to the psychopathology, comparing and contrasting their ideas to current concepts.
The Disorder Named Koro
Authors: Durst Rimona , Rosca-Rebaudengo Paula
Published: March 2014

The koro syndrome is a triad of deep-seated fear of penile shrinkage, its disappearance into the abdomen and consequent death. The disorder, which is considered culture related, is endemic in South-East Asia and China, where it occurs in both epidemic and sporadic form. In the western hemisphere single cases are occasionally encountered. The association with psychiatric pathology in sporadic cases of koro has been well described, but lately attention has been drawn to systemic or neurologic involvement in these patients. The clinical, historical and cultural features of koro, as well as therapeutic strategies, are discussed.
Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis: A Subcortical Pattern of Neuropsychological Impairment?
Authors: Caltagirone Carlo , Carlesimo Giovanni Augusto , Fadda Lucia , Roncacci Sabina
Published: March 2014

In order to evaluate cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) neuropsychological tests were administered to 25 patients with clinically definite disease. Four (16%) showed diffuse cognitive impairment, whereas the others, compared with controls showed a specific deficit on tests known to be sensitive to frontal lobe damage. These results are interpreted in the light of current hypotheses relating to subcortical contributions in cognition.
Lack of Selective Vulnerability to Anticholinergic Induced Cognitive Impairment in Early Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Schelosky L. , Benke Th. , Poewe W.
Published: March 2014

Thirteen patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease of recent onset (mean age 63·2 years) and a group of 10 young healthy volunteers (mean age 26·1 years) underwent a series of neuropsychological tests for assessment of memory, learning ability and mental processing speed before and during treatment with trihexyphenidyl. Retesting after anticholinergic exposure (mean of 2 weeks for patients and 1 week for controls) revealed in young healthy controls the same pattern and magnitude of decline in memory function as in Parkinson patients. Non-demented subjects with Parkinson's disease of recent onset thus do riot seem to be selectively vulnerable to cognitive side-effects of anticholinergic treatment.
Transient Stuttering in Catatonic Bipolar Patients
Authors: Joseph Anthony B.
Published: March 2014

Two cases of transient stuttering occurring in association with catatonia and bipolar disorder are described. Affective decompensation has been associated with lateralized cerebral dysfunction, and it is hypothesized that in some bipolar catatonic patients a concomitant disorder of the lateralization of language function may lead to a variety of clinical presentations including aphasia, mutism, and stuttering.
Autobiographical Memory in Normal Ageing and Dementia
Authors: Sagar Harvey J. , Sullivan Edith V. , Corkin Suzanne
Published: March 2014

Autobiographical memories in young and elderly normal subjects are drawn mostly from the recent past but elderly subjects relate a second peak of memories from early adulthood. Memory for remote past public events is relatively preserved in dementia, possibly reflecting integrity of semantic relative to episodic memory. We examined recall of specific, consistent autobiographical episodes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) in response to cue words. Patients and control subjects drew most memories from the recent 20 years: episode age related to anterograde memory function but not subject age or dementia. Subjects also related a secondary peak of memories from early adulthood; episode age related to subject age and severity of dementia. The results suggest that preferential recall of memories from early adulthood is based on the salience of retrieval cues, altered by age and dementia, superimposed on a temporal gradient of semantic memory. Further, AD shows behavioural similarity to normal ageing.
Robust Stability Criteria of Roesser-Type Discrete-Time Two-Dimensional Systems with Parameter Uncertainties
Authors: Zhao Yan , Zhang Tieyan , Zhao Dan , You Fucai , Li Miao
Published: March 2014

This paper is concerned with robust stability analysis of uncertain Roesser-type discrete-time two-dimensional (2D) systems. In particular, the underlying parameter uncertainties of system parameter matrices are assumed to belong to a convex bounded uncertain domain, which usually is named as the so-called polytopic uncertainty and appears typically in most practical systems. Robust stability criteria are proposed for verifying the robust asymptotical stability of the related uncertain Roesser-type discrete-time 2D systems in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Indeed, a parameter-dependent Lyapunov function is applied in the proof of our main result and thus the obtained robust stability criteria are less conservative than the existing ones. Finally, the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed approach are demonstrated by means of some numerical experiments.
Genetic Algorithm and Graph Theory Based Matrix Factorization Method for Online Friend Recommendation
Authors: Li Qu , Yao Min , Yang Jianhua , Xu Ning
Published: March 2014

Online friend recommendation is a fast developing topic in web mining. In this paper, we used SVD matrix factorization to model user and item feature vector and used stochastic gradient descent to amend parameter and improve accuracy. To tackle cold start problem and data sparsity, we used KNN model to influence user feature vector. At the same time, we used graph theory to partition communities with fairly low time and space complexity. What is more, matrix factorization can combine online and offline recommendation. Experiments showed that the hybrid recommendation algorithm is able to recommend online friends with good accuracy.
Fragile Histidine Triad (FHIT) Suppresses Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis in Cholangiocarcinoma Cells by Blocking PI3K-Akt Pathway
Authors: Huang Qiang , Liu Zhen , Xie Fang , Liu Chenhai , Shao Feng , Zhu Cheng-lin , Hu Sanyuan
Published: March 2014

Fragile histidine triad (FHIT) is a tumor suppressor protein that regulates cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis. However, its exact mechanism of action is poorly understood. Phosphatidylinositol 3-OH kinase (PI3K)-Akt-survivin is an important signaling pathway that was regulated by FHIT in lung cancer cells. To determine whether FHIT can regulate this pathway in cholangiocarcinoma QBC939 cells, we constructed an FHIT expression plasmid and used it to transfect QBC939 cells. Protein and mRNA expression were measured by western blotting and qRT-PCR, respectively. The viability and apoptosis of QBC939 cells were then assessed using MTT assays and flow cytometry. Our results revealed that the expression of survivin and Bcl-2 was downregulated, and caspase 3 was upregulated, in cells overexpressing FHIT. In addition, FHIT suppressed the phosphorylation of Akt. The changes in cell proliferation and apoptosis were obvious in cells overexpressing FHIT which parallels that of treatment with LY294002, a potent inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinases. Treatment with LY294002 further decreased the expression of survivin and Bcl-2 and increased caspase-3 levels. These results suggest that FHIT can block the PI3K-Akt-survivin pathway by suppressing the phosphorylation of Akt and the expression of survivin and Bcl-2 and upregulating caspase 3.
Noncommutative Multisoliton Solutions of a Supersymmetric Chiral Model
Authors: Zhu Xiujuan
Published: March 2014

Multisoliton configurations of a superextended and Moyal-type noncommutative deformed modified2+1chiral model have been constructed with the dressing method by Lechtenfeld and Popov several years ago. These configurations have no-scattering property. A two-soliton configuration with nontrivial scattering was constructed soon after that. More multisoliton solutions with general pole data of the superextended and noncommutative Ward model will be constructed in this paper. The method is the supersymmetric and noncommutative extension of Dai and Terng’s in constructing soliton solutions of the Ward model.
Dynamic Cooperative Clustering Based Power Assignment: Network Capacity and Lifetime Efficient Topology Control in Cooperative Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Li Xiao-Hong , Xiao Ling , Wang Dong
Published: March 2014

Cooperative communication (CC) is used in topology control as it can reduce the transmission power and expand the transmission range. However, all previous research on topology control under the CC model focused on maintaining network connectivity and minimizing the total energy consumption, which would lead to low network capacity, transmission interruption, or even network paralysis. Meanwhile, without considering the balance of energy consumption in the network, it would reduce the network lifetime and greatly affect the network performance. This paper tries to solve the above problems existing in the research on topology control under the CC model by proposing a power assignment (DCCPA) algorithm based on dynamic cooperative clustering in cooperative ad hoc networks. The new algorithm clusters the network to maximize network capacity and makes the clusters communicate with each other by CC. To reduce the number of redundant links between clusters, we design a static clustering method by using Kruskal algorithm. To maximize the network lifetime, we also propose a cluster head rotating method which can reach a good tradeoff between residual energy and distance for the cluster head reselection. Experimental results show that DCCPA can improve 80% network capacity with Cooperative Bridges algorithm; meanwhile, it can improve 20% network lifetime.
Digital Image Forgery Detection Using JPEG Features and Local Noise Discrepancies
Authors: Liu Bo , Pun Chi-Man , Yuan Xiao-Chen
Published: March 2014

Wide availability of image processing software makes counterfeiting become an easy and low-cost way to distort or conceal facts. Driven by great needs for valid forensic technique, many methods have been proposed to expose such forgeries. In this paper, we proposed an integrated algorithm which was able to detect two commonly used fraud practices: copy-move and splicing forgery in digital picture. To achieve this target, a special descriptor for each block was created combining the feature from JPEG block artificial grid with that from noise estimation. And forehand image quality assessment procedure reconciled these different features by setting proper weights. Experimental results showed that, compared to existing algorithms, our proposed method is effective on detecting both copy-move and splicing forgery regardless of JPEG compression ratio of the input image.
The Effect of Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate Infusion on Sensory Spinal Block and Postoperative Pain Score in Abdominal Hysterectomy
Authors: Kahraman Fatih , Eroglu Ahmet
Published: March 2014

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of i.v. infusion of magnesium sulphate during spinal anesthesia on duration of spinal block and postoperative pain.Methods. Forty ASA physical status I and status II, aged between 18 and 65, female patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy under spinal anesthesia were enrolled in this study. Patients in the magnesium group (Group M,n= 20) received magnesium sulphate 65 mg kg−1infusion in 250 mL 5% dextrose at 3.5 mL/min rate, and control group (Group C,n= 20) received at the same volume of saline during operation in a double-blind randomized manner. Duration of sensory and motor block, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures, heart rates, pain scores (VAS values), and side effects were recorded for each patient. Blood and CSF samples were taken for analysis of magnesium concentrations.Results. Regression of sensorial block was longer in Group M when compared with that in Group C (175 ± 39 versus 136 ± 32 min) (P< 0.01). The VAS scores were lower in Group M than those in Group C at the 2 time points postoperatively (P< 0.01).Conclusion. 65 mg kg−1of magnesium sulphate i.v. infusion under spinal anesthesia prolongs spinal sensorial block duration and decreases pain VAS scores without complication in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy.
The Long‐Term Fate and Toxicity of PEG‐Modified Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Isoliquiritigenin Delivery Vehicles in Rats
Authors: Han Bo , Zhang Mingming , Tang Ting , Zheng Qiusheng , Wang Keyu , Li Le , Chen Wen
Published: March 2014

Oxidized single‐walled carbon nanotubes (o‐SWNTs) was modified by covalently and noncovalently linking PEG to the o‐SWNTs. The influence of oxidation time, PEG molecular weight, and type of PEG linkage on the blood clearance time of PEG‐modified single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) was investigated. The toxicity profile of SWNTs covalently linked to PEG (c‐PEG‐o‐SWNTs) in rats has also been determined. The pharmacokinetics of c‐PEG‐o‐SWNTs in rats and their distribution in vital organs were monitored by Raman spectroscopy, and the blood clearance of homogenate isoliquiritigenin (ISL) was determined by HPLC. Photos of tissue and tissue sections were taken to evaluate the toxicity of c‐PEG‐o‐SWNTs. We found that SWNTs which were covalently modified with PEG and have a molecular weight of 3500 had the longest blood clearance half‐lives. However, SWNTs were toxic to the kidneys and the hearts. The high renal clearance of long‐term fate SWNTs may occur because of impaired kidney filtration function. Therefore, we assume that while researchers study the long‐term fate of SWNTs, the toxicity of SWNTs also needs to be taken into account.
Nonlinear Sum Operator Equations with a Parameter and Application to Second-Order Three-Point BVPs
Authors: Wang Wen-Xia , Liu Xi-Lan , Shi Piao-Piao
Published: March 2014

A class of nonlinear sum operator equations with a parameter on order Banach spaces were considered. The existence and uniqueness of positive solutions for this kind of operator equations and the dependence of solutions on the parameter have been obtained by using the properties of cone and nonlinear analysis methods. The critical value of the parameter was estimated. Further, the application to some nonlinear three-point boundary value problems was given to show the significance of the discussion.
Integrable Solutions of a Nonlinear Integral Equation via Noncompactness Measure and Krasnoselskii's Fixed Point Theorem
Authors: Bousselsal Mahmoud , Jah Sidi Hamidou
Published: March 2014

We study the existence of solutions of a nonlinear Volterra integral equation in the spaceL1[0,+∞). With the help of Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem and the theory of measure of weak noncompactness, we prove an existence result for a functional integral equation which includes several classes on nonlinear integral equations. Our results extend and generalize some previous works. An example is given to support our results.
Critical State of Sand Matrix Soils
Authors: Marto Aminaton , Tan Choy Soon , Makhtar Ahmad Mahir , Kung Leong Tiong
Published: March 2014

The Critical State Soil Mechanic (CSSM) is a globally recognised framework while the critical states for sand and clay are both well established. Nevertheless, the development of the critical state of sand matrix soils is lacking. This paper discusses the development of critical state lines and corresponding critical state parameters for the investigated material, sand matrix soils using sand-kaolin mixtures. The output of this paper can be used as an interpretation framework for the research on liquefaction susceptibility of sand matrix soils in the future. The strain controlled triaxial test apparatus was used to provide the monotonic loading onto the reconstituted soil specimens. All tested soils were subjected to isotropic consolidation and sheared under undrained condition until critical state was ascertain. Based on the results of 32 test specimens, the critical state lines for eight different sand matrix soils were developed together with the corresponding values of critical state parameters,M,λ, andΓ. The range of the value ofM,λ, andΓis 0.803–0.998, 0.144–0.248, and 1.727–2.279, respectively. These values are comparable to the critical state parameters of river sand and kaolin clay. However, the relationship between fines percentages and these critical state parameters is too scattered to be correlated.
Conservative Treatment of Stage IA1 Adenocarcinoma of the Uterine Cervix during Pregnancy: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Sopracordevole Francesco , Rossi Diego , Di Giuseppe Jacopo , Angelini Marta , Boschian-Bailo Pierino , Buttignol Monica , Ciavattini Andrea
Published: March 2014

Microinvasive adenocarcinoma (MIAC) of the uterine cervix is rare in pregnancy. Published data on conservative treatment of MIAC both in pregnant and nonpregnant women are scarce. A conservatively treated case of MIAC in a 13-week-pregnant woman after a diagnosis of atypical glandular cells (AGC) on pap smear at the 6th week of pregnancy is presented. The problems of suspected adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) on biopsy and MIAC on cone biopsy in pregnancy, as well as the risks and benefits of a conservative treatment are discussed. After colposcopic guide laser cervical conization and expression of informed consent the patient underwent followup and vaginal delivery at 40 weeks plus 3 days of gestation. In this case, no obstetric complication has been recorded after the cervical conization, and after a followup of 18 months the patient was alive and free of disease, with negative results as far as pap smear, colposcopy, HPV status, and cervical curettage are concerned. In a stage Ia1 disease of endocervical type, with clear margins and without lymph-vascular space invasion, cervical conization performed during the second trimester may be considered a definitive and safe treatment, at least up to delivery, after expression of informed consent by the woman.
Brain Circulation during Panic Attack: A Transcranial Doppler Study with Clomipramine Challenge
Authors: Rotella Francesco , Marinoni Marinella , Lejeune Francesca , Alari Fabiana , Depinesi Daniela , Cosci Fiammetta , Faravelli Carlo
Published: March 2014

Introduction. Cerebral blood flow has been well studied in patients with panic disorder, but only few studies analyzed the mechanisms underlying the onset of a panic attack. The aim of the present study was to monitor the cerebral hemodynamics modifications during a panic attack.Materials and Methods. 10 panic disorder patients with recent onset, fully drug naïve, were compared to 13 patients with panic disorder with a previous history of treatment and to 14 controls. A continuous bilateral monitoring of mean flow velocities in right and left middle cerebral arteries was performed by transcranial Doppler. Clomipramine was chosen as challenge.Results. Eight out of 10 patients drug naïve and 6 control subjects out of 13 had a full blown panic attack during the test, whereas none of the patients with a history of treatment panicked. The occurrence of a panic attack was accompanied by a rapid decrease of flow velocities in both right and left middle cerebral arteries.Discussion. The bilateral acute decrease of mean flow velocity during a panic attack suggests the vasoconstriction of the microcirculation of deep brain structures perfused by middle cerebral arteries and involved in the so-called “fear circuitry,” thus suggesting that cerebral homeostatic dysfunctions seem to have a key role in the onset of a panic attack.
Photocatalytic Activity Enhancement of Anatase TiO2 by Using TiO
Authors: Chen Zhenrui , Zhong Wei , Liang Zhutian , Li Weiqian , He Guannan , Wang Yinzhen , Li Wei , Xie Yuandong , He Qinyu
Published: March 2014

We employed high‐energy ball‐milling technique to fabricate TiO/TiO2 heterogeneous nanostructures. XRD proved the existence of TiO/TiO2 heterogeneous structures. SEM and HRTEM investigation evidenced that the mean particle size and mean grain size of the as‐prepared samples are 23 nm and 13 nm, respectively. UV‐Vis spectra exhibited that TiO has enhanced the visible light absorption of TiO2 and has changed the Eg of TiO2. UPS examination indicated that the electron work function (EWF) of TiO is higher than that of TiO2. Photocatalytic degradation experiments revealed that an appropriate TiO content can enhance the photocatalytic activity of pure anatase TiO2. The best photocatalytic activity of TiO/TiO2 heterogeneous nanostructures is even better than that of Au‐deposited TiO2 by keeping high degradation efficiency of 93%. The internal electrical field producing in TiO/TiO2 heterogeneous nanostructures was considered to be dominantly responsible for the enhanced photocatalytic activity. Therefore, the substitution of TiO with noble metal in TiO2 will be widely used in the future due to its low cost. This study also provides a clear direction of enhancing photocatalytic activity of TiO2: incorporating a guest compound into TiO2 with an appropriate content if the compound has much higher electron work function than that of TiO2.
Airline Overbooking Problem with Uncertain No-Shows
Authors: Zhang Chunxiao , Guo Congrong , Yi Shenghui
Published: March 2014

This paper considers an airline overbooking problem of a new single-leg flight with discount fare. Due to the absence of historical data of no-shows for a new flight, and various uncertain human behaviors or unexpected events which causes that a few passengers cannot board their aircraft on time, we fail to obtain the probability distribution of no-shows. In this case, the airlines have to invite some domain experts to provide belief degree of no-shows to estimate its distribution. However, human beings often overestimate unlikely events, which makes the variance of belief degree much greater than that of the frequency. If we still regard the belief degree as a subjective probability, the derived results will exceed our expectations. In order to deal with this uncertainty, the number of no-shows of new flight is assumed to be an uncertain variable in this paper. Given the chance constraint of social reputation, an overbooking model with discount fares is developed to maximize the profit rate based on uncertain programming theory. Finally, the analytic expression of the optimal booking limit is obtained through a numerical example, and the results of sensitivity analysis indicate that the optimal booking limit is affected by flight capacity, discount, confidence level, and parameters of the uncertainty distribution significantly.
Anisotropic Hardy Spaces of Musielak-Orlicz Type with Applications to Boundedness of Sublinear Operators
Authors: Li Baode , Yang Dachun , Yuan Wen
Published: March 2014

Letφ:ℝn×[0,∞)→[0,∞)be a Musielak-Orlicz function andAan expansive dilation. In this paper, the authors introduce the anisotropic Hardy space of Musielak-Orlicz type,HAφ(ℝn), via the grand maximal function. The authors then obtain some real-variable characterizations ofHAφ(ℝn)in terms of the radial, the nontangential, and the tangential maximal functions, which generalize the known results on the anisotropic Hardy spaceHAp(ℝn)withp∈(0,1]and are new even for its weighted variant. Finally, the authors characterize these spaces by anisotropic atomic decompositions. The authors also obtain the finite atomic decomposition characterization ofHAφ(ℝn), and, as an application, the authors prove that, for a given admissible triplet(φ,q,s), ifTis a sublinear operator and maps all(φ,q,s)-atoms withq<∞(or all continuous(φ,q,s)-atoms withq=∞) into uniformly bounded elements of some quasi-Banach spacesℬ, thenTuniquely extends to a bounded sublinear operator fromHAφ(ℝn)toℬ. These results are new even for anisotropic Orlicz-Hardy spaces onℝn.
Electroanalytical Methodology for the Direct Determination of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid in Soil Samples Using a Graphite-Polyurethane Electrode
Authors: Ramos de Andrade Fernanda , Alves de Toledo Renata , Manoel Pedro Vaz Carlos
Published: March 2014

An electroanalytical methodology was developed for the direct determination of the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) using a graphite-polyurethane composite electrode and square wave voltammetry (SWV). 2,4-D exhibited one reduction peak with characteristics of an irreversible process at −0.54 V (versus Ag/AgCl), which is controlled by the diffusion of the reagent on the electrode surface. After the experimental parameters optimization (pH 2.0,f=50 s−1,a=0.50 V, andΔEi=0.03 V), analytical curves were constructed in the range of 0.66 mg L−1to 2.62  mg L−1. Detection (LD) and quantification (LQ) limits were 17.6 μg L−1and 58.6 μg L−1, respectively. The methodology was successfully applied to measure the percolation of the herbicide 2,4-D in undisturbed soil columns of different granulometric compositions.
Survey on Microgrid: Power Quality Improvement Techniques
Authors: Natesan Chitra , Ajithan Senthil Kumar , Palani Priyadharshini , Kandhasamy Prabaakaran
Published: March 2014

Microgrid became one of the key spot in research on distributed energy systems. Since the definition of the microgrid is paradigm of the first time, investigation in this area is growing continuously and there are numerous research projects in this moment all over the world. The increased infiltration of nonlinear loads and power electronic interfaced distribution generation system creates power quality issues in the distributed power system. In this paper, a comprehensive survey on microgrid to improve the power quality parameters is taken as the main objective. Furthermore, the detailed investigations are explored in this paper for the enhancement of power quality issues with the help of an optimization technique, filters, controllers, FACTS devices, compensators, and battery storage.
Approximations for Equilibrium Problems and Nonexpansive Semigroups
Authors: Wu Huan-chun , Cheng Cao-zong
Published: March 2014

We introduce a new iterative method for finding a common element of the set of solutions of an equilibrium problem and the set of all common fixed points of a nonexpansive semigroup and prove the strong convergence theorem in Hilbert spaces. Our result extends the recent result of Zegeye and Shahzad (2013). In the last part of the paper, by the way, we point out that there is a slight flaw in the proof of the main result in Shehu's paper (2012) and perfect the proof.
Stochastic Maximum Principle of Near-Optimal Control of Fully Coupled Forward-Backward Stochastic Differential Equation
Authors: Tang Maoning
Published: March 2014

This paper first makes an attempt to investigate the near-optimal control of systems governed by fully nonlinear coupled forward-backward stochastic differential equations (FBSDEs) under the assumption of a convex control domain. By Ekeland’s variational principle and some basic estimates for state processes and adjoint processes, we establish the necessary conditions for anyε-near optimal control in a local form with an error order of exactε1/2. Moreover, under additional convexity conditions on Hamiltonian function, we prove that anε-maximum condition in terms of the Hamiltonian in the integral form is sufficient for near-optimality of orderε1/2.
Is Cut-Flower Industry Promotion by the Government Negatively Affecting Pollinator Biodiversity and Environmental/Human Health in Uganda?
Authors: Munyuli Bin Mushambanyi Théodore
Published: March 2014

A study was conducted from 2010 to 2012 around the flower growing areas in central Uganda to generate baseline information on the status of pollinators. Primary data were gathered using a questionnaire that aimed at determining farmers and flower farm officials’ perceptions on the impact of activities carried out inside greenhouses on pollinators, human health, and on crop production in the surroundings. Results indicated that the quantity of pesticides and fertilizers applied daily varied among the different flower farms visited. Bee species richness and abundance varied significantly (P<0.01) according to flower farm location, to the landscape vegetation type, and to field types found in the surrounding of flower farms. Bee richness found around flower farms varied in number from 20 to 40 species in total across seasons and years. Bee density increased significantly with the increase in flower density. Small-scale farmers were aware of the value and importance of pollination services in their farming business. There was no clear evidence of a direct effect of agrochemicals application on bee communities living in the surrounding habitats. There is a need for further research to be conducted on human health risks and for toxicological studies on soils, plants, flowers, and bees in the farm landscape.
Assessment of Risk Factors Associated with Malaria Transmission in Tubu Village, Northern Botswana
Authors: Chirebvu Elijah , Chimbari Moses John , Ngwenya Barbara Ntombi
Published: March 2014

This study investigated potential risk factors associated with malaria transmission in Tubu village, Okavango subdistrict, a malaria endemic area in northern Botswana. Data was derived from a census questionnaire survey, participatory rural appraisal workshop, field observations, and mosquito surveys. History of malaria episodes was associated with several factors: household income (P<0.05), late outdoor activities (OR = 7.016; CI = 1.786–27.559), time spent outdoors (P=0.051), travel outside study area (OR = 2.70; CI = 1.004–7.260), nonpossession of insecticide treated nets (OR = 0.892; CI = 0.797–0.998), hut/house structure (OR = 11.781; CI = 3.868–35.885), and homestead location from water bodies (P<0.05). No associations were established between history of malaria episodes and the following factors: being a farmer (P>0.05) and number of nets possessed (P>0.05). Eave size was not associated with mosquito bites (P>0.05), frequency of mosquito bites (P>0.05), and time of mosquito bites (P>0.05). Possession of nets was very high (94.7%). Close proximity of a health facility and low vegetation cover were added advantages. Some of the identified risk factors are important for developing effective control and elimination strategies involving the community, with limited resources.
Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Genotype Affects Age-Related Changes in Plasticity in Working Memory: A Pilot Study
Authors: Heinzel Stephan , Riemer Thomas G. , Schulte Stefanie , Onken Johanna , Heinz Andreas , Rapp Michael A.
Published: March 2014

Objectives. Recent work suggests that a genetic variation associated with increased dopamine metabolism in the prefrontal cortex (catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met; COMT) amplifies age-related changes in working memory performance. Research on younger adults indicates that the influence of dopamine-related genetic polymorphisms on working memory performance increases when testing the cognitive limits through training. To date, this has not been studied in older adults.Method. Here we investigate the effect of COMT genotype on plasticity in working memory in a sample of 14 younger (aged 24–30 years) and 25 older (aged 60–75 years) healthy adults. Participants underwent adaptive training in then-back working memory task over 12 sessions under increasing difficulty conditions.Results. Both younger and older adults exhibited sizeable behavioral plasticity through training (P<.001), which was larger in younger as compared to older adults (P<.001). Age-related differences were qualified by an interaction with COMT genotype (P<.001), and this interaction was due to decreased behavioral plasticity in older adults carrying the Val/Val genotype, while there was no effect of genotype in younger adults.Discussion. Our findings indicate that age-related changes in plasticity in working memory are critically affected by genetic variation in prefrontal dopamine metabolism.
Research on Universal Combinatorial Coding
Authors: Lu Jun , Zhang Zhuo , Mo Juan
Published: March 2014

The conception of universal combinatorial coding is proposed. Relations exist more or less in many coding methods. It means that a kind of universal coding method is objectively existent. It can be a bridge connecting many coding methods. Universal combinatorial coding is lossless and it is based on the combinatorics theory. The combinational and exhaustive property make it closely related with the existing code methods. Universal combinatorial coding does not depend on the probability statistic characteristic of information source, and it has the characteristics across three coding branches. It has analyzed the relationship between the universal combinatorial coding and the variety of coding method and has researched many applications technologies of this coding method. In addition, the efficiency of universal combinatorial coding is analyzed theoretically. The multicharacteristic and multiapplication of universal combinatorial coding are unique in the existing coding methods. Universal combinatorial coding has theoretical research and practical application value.
Amyloidoma, an Unusual Cause of Fracture
Authors: Verhoeven Frank , Prati Clément , Wendling Daniel
Published: March 2014

We report a case of a spontaneous hip fracture in a context of dysglobulinemia. The bone histologic examination found amyloidoma. Amyloidoma is an overload pathology and an unusual cause of fracture. In most of the cases, it is associated with myeloma and the difference between bone invasion of myeloma and amyloidoma in an osteolytic radiographic picture is not easy but is of importance because prognosis and treatment may be totally different. Thus, in the context of dysglobulinemia, one must keep in mind that spontaneous bone fracture may be due to amyloidoma with another prognosis.
Solvent Extraction of Tellurium from Chloride Solutions Using Tri-n-butyl Phosphate: Conditions and Thermodynamic Data
Authors: Li Dongchan , Guo Yafei , Deng Tianlong , Chen Yu-Wei , Belzile Nelson
Published: March 2014

The extractive separation of tellurium (IV) from hydrochloric acid media with tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) in kerosene was investigated. The dependence on the extraction of tellurium species, concentrations of tellurium and TBP, extraction time and stage, organic/aqueous ratio, and interferences from coexist metallic ions were examined and are discussed. Besides, the stripping agent and stripping time were also studied. It was found that the extraction reaction corresponds to the neutral complex formation mechanism and the extracted species is TeCl4·3TBP and that the extraction process is exothermic. The thermodynamic parameters of enthalpyΔH, entropyΔS, and free energyΔGof the extraction process were evaluated at −26.2 kJ·mol−1, −65.6 J·mol−1·K−1, and −7.0 kJ·mol−1, respectively at 293 K.
A Real-Time and Closed-Loop Control Algorithm for Cascaded Multilevel Inverter Based on Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Wang Libing , Mao Chengxiong , Wang Dan , Lu Jiming , Zhang Junfeng , Chen Xun
Published: March 2014

In order to control the cascaded H-bridges (CHB) converter with staircase modulation strategy in a real-time manner, a real-time and closed-loop control algorithm based on artificial neural network (ANN) for three-phase CHB converter is proposed in this paper. It costs little computation time and memory. It has two steps. In the first step, hierarchical particle swarm optimizer with time-varying acceleration coefficient (HPSO-TVAC) algorithm is employed to minimize the total harmonic distortion (THD) and generate the optimal switching angles offline. In the second step, part of optimal switching angles are used to train an ANN and the well-designed ANN can generate optimal switching angles in a real-time manner. Compared with previous real-time algorithm, the proposed algorithm is suitable for a wider range of modulation index and results in a smaller THD and a lower calculation time. Furthermore, the well-designed ANN is embedded into a closed-loop control algorithm for CHB converter with variable direct voltage (DC) sources. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed closed-loop control algorithm is able to quickly stabilize load voltage and minimize the line current’s THD (<5%) when subjecting the DC sources disturbance or load disturbance. In real design stage, a switching angle pulse generation scheme is proposed and experiment results verify its correctness.
Appetite Response among Those Susceptible or Resistant to Obesity
Authors: Brown Rachel C. , McLay-Cooke Rebecca T. , Richardson Sara L. , Williams Sheila M. , Grattan David R. , Chisholm Alexandra W.-A. H.
Published: March 2014

An alternative approach in determining cause, treatment, and prevention of obesity is to study those who appear resistant to the obesogenic environment. We examined appetite responses in 33 obesity resistant individuals (ORI) versus 28 obesity susceptible individuals (OSI). Fingerprick blood samples to measure ghrelin, total peptide YY (PYY), leptin, glucose, and insulin along with appetite ratings were collected at baseline and 15, 30, 60, 120, and 180 min following consumption of a standardized meal. Fasting, area under the curve (AUC), peak/nadir, and time to peak/nadir were compared. Participants completed the three factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ). No significant differences were observed for ghrelin or PYY. Higher leptin concentrations in the OSI disappeared after controlling for percent body fat (%BF). Significant differences in appetite ratings included a lower hunger nadir among OSI compared with ORI (P=0.017). Dietary restraint (P<0.001) and disinhibition (P<0.001) were lower in ORI compared with OSI, with and without adjustment for %BF. Given the differential body weight of the study groups, similar observed ghrelin concentrations were unexpected, perhaps indicating OSI and ORI respond differently to the same ghrelin concentration. Also ORI response to hunger appears different as they exhibit lower levels of dietary restraint and disinhibition compared with OSI.
Study on the Matching Relationship between Polymer Hydrodynamic Characteristic Size and Pore Throat Radius of Target Block S Based on the Microporous Membrane Filtration Method
Authors: Yiqiang Li , Junxin Gao , Dandan Yin , Junjian Li , Hualong Liu
Published: March 2014

The concept of the hydrodynamic characteristic size of polymer was proposed in this study, to characterize the size of aggregates of many polymer molecules in the polymer percolation process. The hydrodynamic characteristic sizes of polymers used in the target block S were examined by employing microporous membrane filtration method, and the factors were studied. Natural core flow experiments were conducted in order to set up the flow matching relationship plate. According to the flow matching plate, the relationship between the hydrodynamic characteristic size of polymer and pore throat radius obtained from core mercury injection data was found. And several suitable polymers for different reservoirs permeability were given. The experimental results of microporous membrane filtration indicated that the hydrodynamic characteristic size of polymer maintained a good nonlinear relationship with polymer viscosity; the value increased as the molecular weight and concentration of the polymer increased and increased as the salinity of dilution water decreased. Additionally, the hydrodynamic characteristic size decreased as the pressure increased, so the hydrodynamic characteristic size ought to be determined based on the pressure of the target block. In the core flow studies, good matching of polymer and formation was identified as polymer flow pressure gradient lower than the fracture pressure gradient of formation. In this case, good matching that was the pore throat radius should be larger than 10 times the hydrodynamic characteristic size of polymer in this study. Using relationship, more matching relationship between the hydrodynamic characteristic sizes of polymer solutions and the pore throat radius of target block was determined.
Vibrational Suspension of Light Sphere in a Tilted Rotating Cylinder with Liquid
Authors: Kozlov Victor G. , Subbotin Stanislav V.
Published: March 2014

The dynamics of a light sphere in a quickly rotating inclined cylinder filled with liquid under transversal vibrations is experimentally investigated. Due to inertial oscillations of the sphere relative to the cavity, its rotation velocity differs from the cavity one. The intensification of the lagging motion of a sphere and the excitation of the outstripping differential rotation are possible under vibrations. It occurs in the resonant areas where the frequency of vibrations coincides with the fundamental frequency of the system. The position of the sphere in the center of the cylinder could be unstable. Different velocities of the sphere are matched with its various quasistationary positions on the axis of rotating cavity. In tilted rotating cylinder, the axial component of the gravity force appears; however, the light sphere does not float to the upper end wall but gets the stable position at a definite distance from it. It makes possible to provide a vibrational suspension of the light sphere in filled with liquid cavity rotating around the vertical axis. It is found that in the wide range of the cavity inclination angles the sphere position is determined by the dimensionless velocity of body differential rotation.
Migration, Proliferation, and Differentiation of Cord Blood Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Treated with Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Valproic Acid
Authors: Marquez-Curtis Leah A. , Qiu Yuanyuan , Xu April , Janowska-Wieczorek Anna
Published: March 2014

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have great potential for cellular therapies as they can be directed to differentiate into certain lineages or to exert paracrine effects at sites of injury. The interactions between stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1 and its receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 play pivotal roles in the migration of MSC to injured tissues. We evaluated whether a histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) modulates the migration of cord blood (CB-) derived MSC towards SDF-1 and their proliferation and differentiation. We found that in MSC, VPA increased (i) the gene and total protein expression of CXCR4 and CXCR7 and primed migration towards a low gradient of SDF-1, (ii) the gene expression of MMP-2 and secretion and activation of proMMP-2, (iii) the proliferation and gene expression of pluripotency markers SOX2 and Oct-4, and exposure to lower concentrations of VPA (≤5 mM) had no effect on their differentiation to osteocytes and chondrocytes. Thus, our study indicates that VPA enhances the migration of CB MSC towards SDF-1 by increasing the expression of CXCR4, CXCR7, and MMP-2. VPA at low concentrations may be used for ex vivo treatment of MSC to increase their recruitment to sites of injury without compromising their ability to proliferate or differentiate.
Enhancing Light-Trapping Properties of Amorphous Si Thin-Film Solar Cells Containing High-Reflective Silver Conductors Fabricated Using a Nonvacuum Process
Authors: Liu Jun-Chin , Lin Chen-Cheng , Chen Yu-Hung , Wu Chien-Liang , Fan Chia-Ming , Wang Yu-Ming , Kung Chung-Yuan
Published: March 2014

We proposed a low-cost and highly reflective liquid organic sheet silver conductor using back contact reflectors in amorphous silicon (a-Si) single junction superstrate configuration thin-film solar cells produced using a nonvacuum screen printing process. A comparison of silver conductor samples with vacuum-system-sputtered silver samples indicated that the short-circuit current density (Jsc) of sheet silver conductor cells was higher than 1.25 mA/cm2. Using external quantum efficiency measurements, the sheet silver conductor using back contact reflectors in cells was observed to effectively enhance the light-trapping ability in a long wavelength region (between 600 nm and 800 nm). Consequently, we achieved an optimal initial active area efficiency and module conversion efficiency of 9.02% and 6.55%, respectively, for the a-Si solar cells. The results indicated that the highly reflective sheet silver conductor back contact reflector layer prepared using a nonvacuum process is a suitable candidate for high-performance a-Si thin-film solar cells.