bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control Theory-Based Load Balancing for Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Zhou Sanqi , Chen Yinchao
Published: March 2014

Wireless sensor networks have been widely studied for decades. There are many research areas that have been explored such as service availability and energy efficiency. Load balancing is one of the key techniques which can be used to solve the tradeoff between the both sides. In this paper, we propose a novel real-time load balancing technique which does not require the knowledge of static traffic demands and is based on control theory. We first formulate the packet forwarding problem into a classic control model and then derive the controller model. Then, we propose an algorithm to implement the controller and perform the simulation. The simulation results show that, our algorithm can balance the network traffic in real time and decreases maximum link utilization (MLU) sharply. Our algorithm reduces MLU by 78.4% compared to the shortest path first (SPF) routing and by 53.8% compared to another packet scheduling algorithm which was proposed in a previous work.
Stability Analysis of a Class of Switched Nonlinear Systems with an Improved Average Dwell Time Method
Authors: Guo Rongwei
Published: March 2014

This paper investigates the stability of switched nonlinear (SN) systems in two cases: (1) all subsystems are globally asymptotically stable (GAS), and (2) both GAS subsystems and unstable subsystems coexist, and it proposes a number of new results on the stability analysis. Firstly, an improved average dwell time (ADT) method is presented for the stability of such switched system by extending our previous dwell time method. In particular, an improved mode-dependent average dwell time (MDADT) method for the switched systems whose subsystems are quadratically stable (QS) is also obtained. Secondly, based on the improved ADT and MDADT methods, several new results to the stability analysis are obtained. It should be pointed out that the obtained results have two advantages over the existing ones; one is that the improved ADT method simplifies the conditions of the existing ADT method, the other is that the obtained lower bound of ADT (τa*) is also smaller than that obtained by other methods. Finally, illustrative examples are given to show the correctness and the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Osteoblasts Growth Behaviour on Bio-Based Calcium Carbonate Aragonite Nanocrystal
Authors: Shafiu Kamba Abdullahi , Zakaria Zuki Abu Bakar
Published: March 2014

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanocrystals derived from cockle shells emerge to present a good concert in bone tissue engineering because of their potential to mimic the composition, structure, and properties of native bone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological response of CaCO3nanocrystals on hFOB 1.19 and MC3T3 E-1 osteoblast cellsin vitro. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed by MTT and BrdU assays, and LDH was measured to determine the effect of CaCO3nanocrystals on cell membrane integrity. Cellular morphology was examined by SEM and fluorescence microscopy. The results showed that CaCO3nanocrystals had no toxic effects to some extent. Cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, and protein synthesis were enhanced by the nanocrystals when compared to the control. Cellular interactions were improved, as indicated by SEM and fluorescent microscopy. The production of VEGF and TGF-1 was also affected by the CaCO3nanocrystals. Therefore, bio-based CaCO3nanocrystals were shown to stimulate osteoblast differentiation and improve the osteointegration process.
Spatial Advertisement Competition: Based on Game Theory
Authors: Tan Zheng-xun
Published: March 2014

Since advertisement is an important strategy of firms to improve market share, this paper highlights duopoly advertisement under the Hotelling model. A model of advertisement under spatial duopoly is established, and corresponding effects of brand values and transportation costs are all captured. This study presents the proportion of sales revenue spending on advertisement. The condition for free-rider in advertisement investment is discussed. Under firms with the identical brand values, if firms' advertisement points to corresponding consumers, price and advertisement investment are all reduced. Therefore, advertisement is discussed under spatial competition in this work.
Assessment of the Exact Solutions of the Space and Time Fractional Benjamin-Bona-Mahony Equation via the G′/G-Expansion Method, Modified Simple Equation Method, and Liu’s Theorem
Authors: Kolebaje Olusola , Popoola Oyebola
Published: March 2014

Exact travelling wave solutions to the space and time fractional Benjamin-Bona-Mahony (BBM) equation defined in the sense of Jumarie’s modified Riemann-Liouville derivative via the (G′/G) expansion and the modified simple equation methods are presented in this paper. A fractional complex transformation was applied to turn the fractional BBM equation into an equivalent integer order ordinary differential equation. New complex type travelling wave solutions to the space and time fractional BBM equation were obtained with Liu’s theorem. The modified simple equation method is not effective for constructing solutions to the fractional BBM equation.
Tuberculin Skin Tests versus Interferon-Gamma Release Assays in Tuberculosis Screening among Immigrant Visa Applicants
Authors: Chuke Stella O. , Yen Nguyen Thi Ngoc , Laserson Kayla F. , Phuoc Nguyen Huu , Trinh Nguyen An , Nhung Duong Thi Cam , Mai Vo Thi Chi , Qui An Dang , Hai Hoang Hoa , Loan Le Thien Huong , Jones Warren G. , Whitworth William C. , Shah J. Jina , Painter John A. , Mazurek Gerald H. , Maloney Susan A.
Published: March 2014

Objective. Use of tuberculin skin tests (TSTs) and interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) as part of tuberculosis (TB) screening among immigrants from high TB-burden countries has not been fully evaluated.Methods. Prevalence ofMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection (MTBI) based on TST, or the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test (QFT-G), was determined among immigrant applicants in Vietnam bound for the United States (US); factors associated with test results and discordance were assessed; predictive values of TST and QFT-G for identifying chest radiographs (CXRs) consistent with TB were calculated.Results. Of 1,246 immigrant visa applicants studied, 57.9% were TST positive, 28.3% were QFT-G positive, and test agreement was 59.4%. Increasing age was associated with positive TST results, positive QFT-G results, TST-positive but QFT-G-negative discordance, and abnormal CXRs consistent with TB. Positive predictive values of TST and QFT-G for an abnormal CXR were 25.9% and 25.6%, respectively.Conclusion. The estimated prevalence of MTBI among US-bound visa applicants in Vietnam based on TST was twice that based on QFT-G, and 14 times higher than a TST-based estimate of MTBI prevalence reported for the general US population in 2000. QFT-G was not better than TST at predicting abnormal CXRs consistent with TB.
MicroRNAs-Role in Lung Cancer
Authors: Guz Małgorzata , Rivero-Müller Adolfo , Okoń Estera , Stenzel-Bembenek Agnieszka , Polberg Krzysztof , Słomka Maria , Stepulak Andrzej
Published: March 2014

Regulation of gene expression is essential for normal physiological functions; thus deregulation of gene expression is common in disease conditions. One level of regulation of gene expression is performed by noncoding RNAs, among which microRNAs (miRNA) are the best studied. Abnormal expression of these molecular players can lead to pathogenic processes such as heart disease, immune system abnormalities, and carcinogenesis, to name but a few. Of a length of 18–25 nucleotides miRNAs are involved in binding partial complementary sequences within the 3′-UTR (3′-untranslated region) of the target mRNAs. Depending on the type of neoplastic transformation, miRNAs can act both as oncogenes (oncomirs) or as tumor suppressors. Because of the great importance of miRNAs, most researches focus on either their role as biomarkers or their potential as therapeutic targets. Herein, we present the review of microRNA biology, function, and tumorigenic potential with emphasis on their role in lung cancer.
Adaptive Filtering Backstepping for Ships Steering Control without Velocity Measurements and with Input Constraints
Authors: Xia Guoqing , Wu Huiyong , Shao Xingchao
Published: March 2014

We consider the problem of course tracking for ships with uncertainties and unknown external disturbances, in the presence of input magnitude and rate saturation. The combination of approximation‐based adaptive technique and radial basis function (RBF) neural network allows us to handle the unknown disturbances from the environment and uncertain ship dynamics. By employing the adaptive filtering backstepping, the full‐state feedback controller is first derived. Then the output feedback controller is designed with the unmeasurable state estimated by using a high‐gain observer. In order to cope with the input constraints, an auxiliary system is introduced to the output feedback controller, and the semiglobal uniform boundedness of the modified control solution is verified. Simulation results are presented for the course tracking of a cargo ship, which are demonstrative of the excellent performance of the proposed controller.
Age-Matched, Case-Controlled Comparison of Clinical Indicators for Development of Entropion and Ectropion
Authors: Michels Kevin S. , Czyz Craig N. , Cahill Kenneth V. , Foster Jill A. , Burns John A. , Everman Kelly R.
Published: March 2014

Purpose.To analyze the clinical findings associated with involutional entropion and ectropion and compare them to each other and to age-matched controls.Methods.Prospective, age-matched cohort study involving 30 lids with involutional entropion, 30 lids with involutional ectropion, and 52 age-matched control lids.Results.The statistically significant differences associated with both the entropion and ectropion groups compared to the control group were presence of a retractor dehiscence, presence of a “white line,” occurrence of orbital fat prolapse in the cul-de-sac, decreased lower lid excursion, increased lid laxity by the snapback test, and an increased lower lid distraction. Entropion also differed from the control group with an increased lid crease height and decreased lateral canthal excursion. Statistically significant differences associated with entropion compared to ectropion were presence of a retractor dehiscence, decreased lateral canthal excursion, and less laxity in the snapback test.Conclusion.Entropic and ectropic lids demonstrate clinically and statistically significant anatomical and functional differences from normal, age-matched lids. Many clinical findings associated with entropion are also present in ectropion. Entropion is more likely to develop with a pronounced retractor deficiency. Ectropion is more likely to develop with diminished elasticity as measured by the snapback test.
A Time‐Domain Structural Damage Detection Method Based on Improved Multiparticle Swarm Coevolution Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Jiang Shao-Fei , Wu Si-Yao , Dong Li-Qiang
Published: March 2014

Optimization techniques have been applied to structural health monitoring and damage detection of civil infrastructures for two decades. The standard particle swarm optimization (PSO) is easy to fall into the local optimum and such deficiency also exists in the multiparticle swarm coevolution optimization (MPSCO). This paper presents an improved MPSCO algorithm (IMPSCO) firstly and then integrates it with Newmark’s algorithm to localize and quantify the structural damage by using the damage threshold proposed. To validate the proposed method, a numerical simulation and an experimental study of a seven‐story steel frame were employed finally, and a comparison was made between the proposed method and the genetic algorithm (GA). The results show threefold: (1) the proposed method not only is capable of localization and quantification of damage, but also has good noise‐tolerance; (2) the damage location can be accurately detected using the damage threshold proposed in this paper; and (3) compared with the GA, the IMPSCO algorithm is more efficient and accurate for damage detection problems in general. This implies that the proposed method is applicable and effective in the community of damage detection and structural health monitoring.
Targeting FASN in Breast Cancer and the Discovery of Promising Inhibitors from Natural Products Derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Cheng Chien-shan , Wang Zhiyu , Chen Jianping
Published: March 2014

Molecular targeted therapy has been developed for cancer chemoprevention and treatment. Cancer cells process a fundamental change in its bioenergetic metabolism from normal cells on an altered lipid metabolism, also known as the de novo fatty acid synthesis, for sustaining their high proliferation rates. Fatty acid synthesis is now associated with clinically aggressive tumor behavior and tumor cell growth and has become a novel target pathway for chemotherapy development. Although the underlying mechanisms of the altered de novo fatty acid synthesis still remains unclear, recent progress has shown that by targeting Fatty acid synthase (FASN), a key enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of endogenous long chain fatty acid could be a critical target for drug discovery. However, relatively few FASN inhibitors have been discovered. With the long history of clinical practices and numerous histological case study reports, traditional Chinese medicine enjoys an important role in seeking bioactive anticancer natural compounds. Herein, we will give an overall picture of the current progress of molecular targeted therapy in cancer fatty acid synthesis, describe the advances in the research on natural products‐derived FASN inhibitors and their potential for enhancing our understanding of fatty acids in tumor biology, and may provide new therapeutic moieties for breast cancer patient care.
Spyware Resistant Smartphone User Authentication Scheme
Authors: Kim Taejin , Yi Jeong Hyun , Seo Changho
Published: March 2014

As smart phones are becoming widely used, a variety of services to store and use important information such as photos and financial information are now provided. User authentication to protect this information is increasingly important. The commonly used 4-digit PIN, however, is vulnerable to the Brute Force Attack, Shoulder-Surfing Attack, and Recording Attack. Various authentication techniques are being developed in order to solve these problems. However, the technique that provides perfect protection, even from the Recording Attack, is not yet known, and in most cases, a password can be exposed by multiple Recording Attacks. This paper proposes a new user authentication method that protects against a Recording Attack from spyware on the user's smart phone. The proposed method prevents password exposure by multiple Recording Attacks, is implemented on a real Android phone, and has been evaluated for usability.
Representation of Ethiopian Wet Spells in Global and Nested Models
Authors: Jury Mark R. , Chiao Sen
Published: March 2014

Weather forecast and reanalysis models exhibit different performance in daily rainfall estimation over the Ethiopian highlands, 2000–2012, with ECMWF closer to observations than other models. Background is given to illustrate the Hadley circulation and easterly jets over Ethiopia, using sections on 37°E in July–August 2011. ECMWF reanalysis has a narrow band of rainfall >15 mm/day on 10°N, consistent with TRMM satellite estimates, associated with a steep gradient in meridional wind. MERRA and GFS models have a wider band of rainfall and weaker gradients in meridional winds. The contrasting background states influence a nested WRF model simulation of heavy rain in the upper Nile Valley on 29 July, 2011. The GFS (ECMWF) initialization yields stronger northerly (southerly) winds north (south) of Ethiopia, while aircraft observations are southerly at 850 mb and northerly at 700 mb. ECMWF produces heavy and widespread rainfall consistent with observations, with a potentially more realistic simulation of the Hadley circulation.
Role of Methylglyoxal in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Angeloni Cristina , Zambonin Laura , Hrelia Silvana
Published: March 2014

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common and lethal neurodegenerative disorder. The major hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease are extracellular aggregation of amyloidβpeptides and, the presence of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles formed by precipitation/aggregation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. The etiology of Alzheimer’s disease is multifactorial and a full understanding of its pathogenesis remains elusive. Some years ago, it has been suggested that glycation may contribute to both extensive protein cross-linking and oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s disease. Glycation is an endogenous process that leads to the production of a class of compounds known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Interestingly, increased levels of AGEs have been observed in brains of Alzheimer’s disease patients. Methylglyoxal, a reactive intermediate of cellular metabolism, is the most potent precursor of AGEs and is strictly correlated with an increase of oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s disease. Many studies are showing that methylglyoxal and methylglyoxal-derived AGEs play a key role in the etiopathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
Implementation of Intelligent Electronic Acupuncture System Using Sensor Module
Authors: Hong You-Sik , Kim Baek-Ki , Hong Bong-Hwa
Published: March 2014

Conventional electronic acupuncture can stimulate only one acupuncture point, and patients have to decide the time and the strength by themselves. In order to solve these problems, intelligent electronic acupuncture using biometric sensors and fuzzy technology was developed in this paper. And wireless electronic acupuncture system using sensor modules was developed in this paper. We used the sensor modules to obtain a patient's diagnosis signals. These sensor modules consist of 5 parts. The signals were analyzed to make instructions for the treatment, and the sensing pad for electronic acupuncture was designed. In addition, adaptive wireless acupuncture system was developed to adjust strength and time of acupuncture and several acupuncture points of patients by using fuzzy technology. We implemented efficient wireless electronic acupuncture system to get acupuncture easily using intelligent diagnosis system.
Strain Diversity ofMycobacterium tuberculosisIsolates from Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Afar Pastoral Region of Ethiopia
Authors: Belay Mulugeta , Ameni Gobena , Bjune Gunnar , Couvin David , Rastogi Nalin , Abebe Fekadu
Published: March 2014

Data on genotypic diversity ofMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex (MTBC) is important to understand its epidemiology, human adaptation, clinical phenotypes, and drug resistance. This study aimed to characterize MTBC clinical isolates circulating in a predominantly pastoralist area in Ethiopia, a country where tuberculosis is the second leading cause of mortality. Culture of sputum samples collected from a total of 325 pulmonary TB suspects was done to isolate MTBC. Spoligotyping was used to characterize 105 isolates from culture positive slopes and the result was compared with an international database. Forty-four spoligotype patterns were observed to correspond to 35 shared-types (SITs) containing 96 isolates and 9 orphan patterns; 27 SITs containing 83 isolates matched a preexisting shared-type in the database, whereas 8 SITs (n=13isolates) were newly created. A total of 19 SITs containing 80 isolates were clustered within this study (overall clustering of 76.19%). Three dominant lineages (T, CAS, and Manu) accounted for 76.19% of the isolates. SIT149/T3-ETH was one of the two most dominant sublineages. Unlike previous reports, we show that Manu lineage strains not only constitute a dominant lineage, but are also associated with HIV infection in Afar region of Ethiopia. The high level of clustering suggests the presence of recent transmission that should be further studied using additional genotyping markers.
Evaluating the Marginal Land Resources Suitable for Developing Bioenergy in Asia
Authors: Fu Jingying , Jiang Dong , Huang Yaohuan , Zhuang Dafang , Ji Wei
Published: March 2014

Bioenergy from energy plants is an alternative fuel that is expected to play an increasing role in fulfilling future world energy demands. Because cultivated land resources are fairly limited, bioenergy development may rely on the exploitation of marginal land. This study focused on the assessment of marginal land resources and biofuel potential in Asia. A multiple factor analysis method was used to identify marginal land for bioenergy development in Asia using multiple datasets including remote sensing-derived land cover, meteorological data, soil data, and characteristics of energy plants and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. A combined planting zonation strategy was proposed, which targeted three species of energy plants, includingPistacia chinensis (P. chinensis), Jatropha curcas L. (JCL), andCassava. The marginal land with potential for planting these types of energy plants was identified for each 1 km2pixel across Asia. The results indicated that the areas with marginal land suitable forCassava,P. chinensis, andJCLwere established to be 1.12 million, 2.41 million, and 0.237 million km2, respectively. Shrub land, sparse forest, and grassland are the major classifications of exploitable land. The spatial distribution of the analysis and suggestions for regional planning of bioenergy are also discussed.
An In Vitro Assessment of Gutta-Percha Coating of New Carrier-Based Root Canal Fillings
Authors: Alhashimi Raghad Abdulrazzaq , Foxton Richard , Romeed Shihab , Deb Sanjukta
Published: March 2014

The first aim of this paper was to evaluate the push-out bond strength of the gutta-percha coating of Thermafil and GuttaCore and compare it with that of gutta-percha used to coat an experimental hydroxyapatite/polyethylene (HA/PE) obturator. The second aim was to assess the thickness of gutta-percha around the carriers of GuttaCore and HA/PE obturators using microcomputed tomography (μCT). Ten (size 30) 1 mm thick samples of each group (Thermafil, GuttaCore, and HA/PE) were prepared. An orthodontic wire with a diameter of 0.5 mm was attached to the plunger of an Instron machine in order to allow the push-out testing of the gutta-percha coating. Five samples of (GuttaCore and HA/PE) were scanned usingμCT. The data obtained were analysed with one-way analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc test. HA/PE obturators exhibited significantly higher push-out bond strength (P<0.001) determined at 6.84 ± 0.96 than those of Guttacore around 3.75 ± 0.75 and Thermafil at 1.5 ± 0.63. GuttaCore demonstrated significantly higher bond strength than Thermafil (P<0.001).μCT imaging revealed that the thickness of gutta-percha around the experimental HA/PE carrier was homogeneously distributed. The bondability and thickness of gutta-percha coating around HA/PE carriers were superior to those of GuttaCore and Thermafil obturators.
Evaluating Word Representation Features in Biomedical Named Entity Recognition Tasks
Authors: Tang Buzhou , Cao Hongxin , Wang Xiaolong , Chen Qingcai , Xu Hua
Published: March 2014

Biomedical Named Entity Recognition (BNER), which extracts important entities such as genes and proteins, is a crucial step of natural language processing in the biomedical domain. Various machine learning-based approaches have been applied to BNER tasks and showed good performance. In this paper, we systematically investigated three different types of word representation (WR) features for BNER, including clustering-based representation, distributional representation, and word embeddings. We selected one algorithm from each of the three types of WR features and applied them to the JNLPBA and BioCreAtIvE II BNER tasks. Our results showed that all the three WR algorithms were beneficial to machine learning-based BNER systems. Moreover, combining these different types of WR features further improved BNER performance, indicating that they are complementary to each other. By combining all the three types of WR features, the improvements inF-measure on the BioCreAtIvE II GM and JNLPBA corpora were 3.75% and 1.39%, respectively, when compared with the systems using baseline features. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to systematically evaluate the effect of three different types of WR features for BNER tasks.
Availability of Wild Edible Fungi in La Malinche National Park, Mexico
Authors: Montoya A. , Kong A. , Garibay-Orijel R. , Méndez-Espinoza C. , Tulloss Rodham E. , Estrada-Torres A.
Published: March 2014

The aim of this paper is to compare edible mushroom availability between the two slopes of La Malinche National Park in central México, and to discuss the possible relation between their availability and traditional use. Eight transects were set up. Samples were collected weekly during the rainy seasons of years 1998–2000. Sixty-one edible mushroom species were collected from a total area of 3200 m2 (0.32 ha). Over the three-year period, the diversity of mushrooms ranged from 21 to 28 taxa per transect line. Sporocarps were produced at a rate from 2.06 to 6.05 kg/401.51 m2. The highest species richness and production values for spatio-temporal frequency were obtained in Southeast slope. Edible mushrooms availability in the Southeast slope showed a strong dominance, driven mainly by Laccaria trichodermophora and Hebeloma mesophaeum. The Southwest slope had more diversified availability in time and space, with the most representative species, being L. trichodermophora. The characteristics of traditional management on each slope determined the differences found.
A Bioclinical Pattern for the Early Diagnosis of Cardioembolic Stroke
Authors: Zecca Bruno , Mandelli Clara , Maino Alberto , Casiraghi Chiara , Bolla Giovanbattista , Consonni Dario , Santalucia Paola , Torgano Giuseppe
Published: March 2014

Background and Scope. Early etiologic diagnosis of ischemic stroke subtype guides acute management and treatment. We aim to evaluate if plasma biomarkers can predict stroke subtypes in the early phase from stroke onset.Methods. Plasma N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), D-dimer, C-reactive protein, serum albumin, and globulin levels have been investigated in 114 consecutive patients presenting at the emergency room within 6 hours of the ischemic stroke onset. Plasma levels of biomarkers have been correlated with stroke aetiology (based on TOAST criteria) by multivariable logistic regression analysis, adjusted for several covariates.Results. Of the 114 patients, 34 (30%) had cardioembolic stroke, 27 (23%) atherothrombotic stroke, 19 (17%) lacunar stroke, and 34 (30%) stroke of undetermined origin. Patients with cardioembolic stroke had significantly higher levels of NT-proBNP and lower globulin/albumin (G/A) ratio compared with the other subgroups. At multiple logistic regression NT-proBNP>200 pg/mL, G/A ratio>0.70,and NIHSS score were independent predictors of cardioembolic stroke with high accuracy of the model, either including (AUC, 0.91) or excluding (AUC, 0.84) atrial fibrillation.Conclusions. A prediction model that includes NT-proBNP, G/A ratio, and NIHSS score can be useful for the early etiologic diagnosis of ischemic stroke.
Optimization of Integrated Impeller Mixer via Radiotracer Experiments
Authors: Othman N. , Kamarudin S. K. , Takriff M. S. , Rosli M. I. , Engku Chik E. M. F. , Adnan M. A. K.
Published: March 2014

Radiotracer experiments are carried out in order to determine the mean residence time (MRT) as well as percentage of dead zone,Vdead(%), in an integrated mixer consisting of Rushton and pitched blade turbine (PBT). Conventionally, optimization was performed by varying one parameter and others were held constant (OFAT) which lead to enormous number of experiments. Thus, in this study, a 4-factor 3-level Taguchi L9 orthogonal array was introduced to obtain an accurate optimization of mixing efficiency with minimal number of experiments. This paper describes the optimal conditions of four process parameters, namely, impeller speed, impeller clearance, type of impeller, and sampling time, in obtaining MRT andVdead(%) using radiotracer experiments. The optimum conditions for the experiments were 100 rpm impeller speed, 50 mm impeller clearance, Type A mixer, and 900 s sampling time to reach optimization.
An Inequality of Meromorphic Functions and Its Application
Authors: Wu Zhaojun , Chen Yuxian , Xuan Zuxing
Published: March 2014

By applying Ahlfors theory of covering surface, we establish a fundamental inequality of meromorphic function dealing with multiple values in an angular domain. As an application, we prove the existence of some new singular directions for a meromorphic functionf, namely a Bloch direction and a pseudo-T direction forf.
Laboratory Study of the Displacement Coalbed CH4Process and Efficiency of CO2and N2Injection
Authors: Wang Liguo , Cheng Yuanping , Wang Yongkang
Published: March 2014

ECBM displacement experiments are a direct way to observe the gas displacement process and efficiency by inspecting the produced gas composition and flow rate. We conducted two sets of ECBM experiments by injecting N2and CO2through four large parallel specimens (300×50×50 mm coal briquette). N2or CO2is injected at pressures of 1.5, 1.8, and 2.2 MPa and various crustal stresses. The changes in pressure along the briquette and the concentration of the gas mixture flowing out of the briquette were analyzed. Gas injection significantly enhances CBM recovery. Experimental recoveries of the original extant gas are in excess of 90% for all cases. The results show that the N2breakthrough occurs earlier than the CO2breakthrough. The breakthrough time of N2is approximately 0.5 displaced volumes. Carbon dioxide, however, breaks through at approximately 2 displaced volumes. Coal can adsorb CO2, which results in a slower breakthrough time. In addition, ground stress significantly influences the displacement effect of the gas injection.
Real‐Time Characterization of Electrospun PVP Nanofibers as Sensitive Layer of a Surface Acoustic Wave Device for Gas Detection
Authors: Matatagui D. , Fernández M. J. , Santos J. P. , Fontecha J. , Sayago I. , Horrillo M. C. , Gràcia I. , Cané C.
Published: March 2014

The goal of this work has been to study the polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) fibers deposited by means of the electrospinning technique for using as sensitive layer in surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The electrospinning process of the fibers has been monitored and RF characterized in real time, and it has been shown that the diameters of the fibers depend mainly on two variables: the applied voltage and the distance between the needle and the collector, since all the electrospun fibers have been characterized by a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Real‐time measurement during the fiber coating process has shown that the depth of penetration of mechanical perturbation in the fiber layer has a limit. It has been demonstrated that once this saturation has been reached, the increase of the thickness of the fibers coating does not improve the sensitivity of the sensor. Finally, the parameters used to deposit the electrospun fibers of smaller diameters have been used to deposit fibers on a SAW device to obtain a sensor to measure different concentrations of toluene at room temperature. The present sensor exhibited excellent sensitivity, good linearity and repeatability, and high and fast response to toluene at room temperature.
Cavernous Angioma of the Corpus Callosum Presenting with Acute Psychosis
Authors: Pavesi Giacomo , Causin Francesco , Feletti Alberto
Published: March 2014

Psychiatric symptoms may occasionally be related to anatomic alterations of brain structures. Particularly, corpus callosum lesions seem to play a role in the change of patients’ behavior. We present a case of a sudden psychotic attack presumably due to a hemorrhagic cavernous angioma of the corpus callosum, which was surgically removed with complete resolution of symptoms. Although a developmental defect like agenesis or lipoma is present in the majority of these cases, a growing lesion of the corpus callosum can rarely be the primary cause. Since it is potentially possible to cure these patients, clinicians should be aware of this association.
The Protective Effects of Shen-Fu Injection on Experimental Acute Pancreatitis in a Rat Model
Authors: Huang Lei , Cao Jun
Published: March 2014

Objectives. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of Shen-Fu injection (SFI) on a caerulein-induced rat pancreatitis (AP) model.Methods. SFI was given to rats in the SFI treated group through intraperitoneal injection. Blood and pancreas samples were collected for serological and histopathological studies.Results. Our results showed that AP caused significant decrease in tissue glutathione (GSH) and serum IL-4 and IL-10, while pancreatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were increased. Furthermore, TNF-α, IL-1β, amylase, and lipase levels were also significantly increased. On the other hand, SFI treatment reserved all these biochemical indices as well as histopathologic alterations that were induced by caerulein.Conclusion. Our findings suggest that the SFI protects against caerulein-induced AP in rats via modulation of cytokines, oxidative stress, and Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activity.
The First Trimester Gravid Serum Regulates Procalcitonin Expression in Human Macrophages Skewing Their PhenotypeIn Vitro
Authors: Rami Damiano , La Bianca Martina , Agostinis Chiara , Zauli Giorgio , Radillo Oriano , Bulla Roberta
Published: March 2014

Procalcitonin (PCT) is one of the best diagnostic and prognostic markers in clinical practice, widely used to evaluate the evolution of bacterial infections. Although it is mainly produced by thyroid, during sepsis almost all the peripheral tissues are involved in PCT production. Parenchymal cells have been suggested as the main source of PCT expression; however the contribution of macrophages is not clear yet. In response to environmental cues, tissue macrophages acquire distinct functional phenotypes, ranging from proinflammatory (M1) to anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotype. Macrophages at the fetal-maternal interface show immunosuppressive M2-like activities required for the maintenance of immunological homeostasis during pregnancy. This study aims to clarify the ability to synthesise PCT of fully differentiated (M0), polarized (M1/M2) macrophages and those cultured either in the presence of first trimester gravid serum (GS) or pregnancy hormones. We found out that M1 macrophages upregulate PCT expression following LPS stimulation compared to M0 and M2. The GS downregulates PCT expression in macrophages, skewing them towards an M2-like phenotype. This effect seems only partially mediated by the hormonalmilieu. Our findings strengthen the key role of macrophages in counteracting inflammatory stimuli during pregnancy, suggesting PCT as a possible new marker of M1-like macrophages.
Analysis of Mathematical Model for Migration Law of Radon in Underground Multilayer Strata
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Dongsheng , Wang Xufeng , Xu Mengtang , Wang Hongzhi
Published: March 2014

This paper summarized the separation process of radon based on its geophysical‐chemical properties. Taking into account the geological conditions of mining, the mathematical model of radon migration in underground multilayer strata (UMS) was established to investigate the distribution law of radon concentration in UMS. It was found that the distribution of radon concentration in UMS is affected by both the properties of the strata and the depth of cover and the radon concentration law varies at different depths even in the same layer stratum. At last, in order to validate the derivation result of the mathematical model of radon migration in UMS, the actual measured values (AMV) and the calculated values (CV) were compared further. As a result, the CV was found to be approximately equal to the AMV with deviation values (DV) less than 5%, which indicates that the derivation result of the mathematical model of radon migration in UMS is correct.
Giant Idiopathic Pulmonary Artery Aneurysm: An Interesting Incidental Finding
Authors: Fazlinejad Afsoon , Vojdanparast Mohammad , Jafarzadeh Esfehani Reza , Moosavi Sahar Sadat , Jalali Parisa
Published: March 2014

Idiopathic pulmonary artery aneurysm is a rare condition. This type of aneurysm can be presented with noncardiac symptoms or even asymptomatic. We report a 73-year-old man with a gigantic idiopathic pulmonary artery aneurysm which was referred to our unit for his kidney problems. During his workup we incidentally found the aneurysm by an abnormal chest-X ray and auscultation. Our further evaluations revealed a 9.8 cm aneurysm in transthoracic echocardiography.
Choroidal Metastasis from Follicular Cell Thyroid Carcinoma Masquerading as Circumscribed Choroidal Haemangioma
Authors: Papastefanou V. P. , Arora A. K. , Hungerford J. L. , Cohen V. M. L.
Published: March 2014

Choroidal metastases from follicular thyroid carcinoma are uncommon and usually present as an amelanotic lesion against a background of known systemic disease. We present the case of a 56-year-old woman with a thyroid metastatic focus with unusual clinical presentation, systemic involvement, and early response to systemic treatment. A review of the literature accompanies this case presentation.
A Numerical Scheme Based on an Immersed Boundary Method for Compressible Turbulent Flows with Shocks: Application to Two-Dimensional Flows around Cylinders
Authors: Takahashi Shun , Nonomura Taku , Fukuda Kota
Published: March 2014

A computational code adopting immersed boundary methods for compressible gas-particle multiphase turbulent flows is developed and validated through two-dimensional numerical experiments. The turbulent flow region is modeled by a second-order pseudo skew-symmetric form with minimum dissipation, while the monotone upstream-centered scheme for conservation laws (MUSCL) scheme is employed in the shock region. The present scheme is applied to the flow around a two-dimensional cylinder under various freestream Mach numbers. Compared with the original MUSCL scheme, the minimum dissipation enabled by the pseudo skew-symmetric form significantly improves the resolution of the vortex generated in the wake while retaining the shock capturing ability. In addition, the resulting aerodynamic force is significantly improved. Also, the present scheme is successfully applied to moving two-cylinder problems.
Strong Pullback Attractors for Nonautonomous Suspension Bridge Equations
Authors: Ju Wenchao , Wang Xuan
Published: March 2014

We prove the existence of a pullback 𝒟-attractor in DA×V for the nonautonomous suspension bridge equations.
Study of Structural and Phase Transition of Nickel Metal
Authors: Huu Kien Pham
Published: March 2014

Annealing study of nickel metal in the temperature range 300–1000 K has been carried out using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The simulation is done for models containing 104 particles Ni at both crystalline and amorphous states. We obtain the change as a function of annealing time for the potential energy of system, pair radial distribution function (PRDF), and distribution of coordination number (DCN). The calculation shows that the aging slightly reduces the potential energy of system. This result evidences that the amorphous model undergoes different quasiequilibrated states during annealing. The crystalline model undergoes the slow relaxation which reduces the energy of system and eliminates structural defects in crystal lattices.
Body Mass Index and Pregnancy Outcome after Assisted Reproduction Treatment
Authors: Kasim Khaled , Roshdy Ahmed
Published: March 2014

The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on pregnancy outcome after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The study analyzed pregnancy outcome of 349 women who underwent ICSI by their BMI: <25, 25–<30, and ≥30 kg/m2. The associations were generated by applying logistic regression models. A significant reduction in positive pregnancy outcome was observed among overweight and obese women (odds ratio (OR) = 0.50; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.25–0.99 for overweight women and OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.20–0.89 for obese women). These estimates show that the pregnancy rates are reduced with increasing BMI. The effect of obesity on pregnancy outcome was absent when three and more embryos were transferred. Our study contributes to the reports linking overweight and obesity with decreased positive pregnancy outcome after ICSI and suggests women’s age, infertility type, and number of embryos transferred to modify this reducing effect.
Dynamic Reliability Analysis of Gear Transmission System of Wind Turbine in Consideration of Randomness of Loadings and Parameters
Authors: Wang Lei , Shen Tao , Chen Chen , Chen Huitao
Published: March 2014

A dynamic model of gear transmission system of wind turbine is built with consideration of randomness of loads and parameters. The dynamic response of the system is obtained using the theory of random sampling and the Runge‐Kutta method. According to rain flow counting principle, the dynamic meshing forces are converted into a series of luffing fatigue load spectra. The amplitude and frequency of the equivalent stress are obtained using equivalent method of Geber quadratic curve. Moreover, the dynamic reliability model of components and system is built according to the theory of probability of cumulative fatigue damage. The system reliability with the random variation of parameters is calculated and the influence of random parameters on dynamic reliability of components is analyzed. In the end, the results of the proposed method are compared with that of Monte Carlo method. This paper can be instrumental in the design of wind turbine gear transmission system with more advantageous dynamic reliability.
Coefficients of Meromorphic Bi-Bazilevic Functions
Authors: Jahangiri Jay M. , Hamidi Samaneh G.
Published: March 2014

A function is said to be bi-Bazilevic in a given domain if both the function and its inverse map are Bazilevic there. Applying the Faber polynomial expansions to the meromorphic Bazilevic functions, we obtain the general coefficient bounds for bi-Bazilevic functions. We also demonstrate the unpredictability of the behavior of early coefficients of bi-Bazilevic functions.
Corneal Backscatter Analysis by In Vivo Confocal Microscopy: Fellow Eye Comparison of Small Incision Lenticule Extraction and Femtosecond Laser-Assisted LASIK
Authors: Agca Alper , Ozgurhan Engin Bilge , Yildirim Yusuf , Cankaya Kadir Ilker , Guleryuz Nimet Burcu , Alkin Zeynep , Ozkaya Abdullah , Demirok Ahmet , Yilmaz Omer Faruk
Published: March 2014

Purpose. To evaluate and compare corneal backscatter from anterior stroma between small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK (femto-LASIK).Methods. A cohort of 60 eyes of 30 patients was randomized to receive SMILE in one eye and femto-LASIK in the fellow eye. In vivo confocal microscopy was performed at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. The main outcome measurements were maximum backscattered intensity and the depth from which it was measured, the backscattered light intensity 30 μm below Bowman’s membrane at the flap interface and 150 μm below the superficial epithelium, and the number of refractive particles at the flap interface.Results. The mean backscattered light intensity (LI) at all measured depths and the maximum backscattered LI were higher in the SMILE group than the femto-LASIK group at all postoperative visits. LI differences at 1 week and 1- and 3-month visits were statistically significant (P<0,05). LI differences at 6 months were not statistically significant. There was no difference in the number of refractive particles at the flap interface between the groups at any visit.Conclusions. SMILE results in increased backscattered LI in the anterior stroma when compared with femto-LASIK were evaluated.
Sialometry of Upper Labial Minor Glands: A Clinical Approach by the Use of Weighing Method Schirmer’s Test Strips Paper
Authors: Falcão Denise Pinheiro , Leal Soraya Coelho , Vieira Celi Novaes , Wolff Andy , Filgueira Galdino Almeida Tayana , Nunes Fernanda de Paula e Silva , de Amorim Rivadávio Fernandes Batista , Bezerra Ana Cristina
Published: March 2014

Objectives. To establish referential values ranges of hyposalivation and normosalivation for the salivary flow rate (SFR) of upper labial (LS) and palatal (PS) mucosa using Schirmer's test strips paper and as a second goal to determine the values ranges of the SFR of palatal (PS) and upper labial (LS) mucosa in subjects with and without xerostomia.Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among subjects distributed in three groups according to their unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva.Results. 144 subjects were enrolled in groups as follows: severe hyposalivation (n=24), mild hyposalivation (n=78), and normosalivation (n=42). The mean and the 95% confidence interval for the LS flow rate (μL/cm2/min) were 3.2 (2.46 to 3.94), 5.86 (4.96 to 6.75), and 9.08 (7.63 to 10.53) (P<0.001) for each group, respectively. The PS results were 1.01 (0.68 to 1.34), 1.72 (1.31 to 2.13), and 2.44 (1.66 to 3.22) (P=0.014). Xerostomia complainers presented lower rates of LS (5.17 (4.06 to 6.23)) than non-complainers (7.33 (6.4 to 8.27)) (P=0.003).Conclusions. The test was reliable to provide referential values ranges for LS flow rate measurement and was shown to be valid to distinguish normosalivation from severe and mild hyposalivation and also to predict xerostomia.
Ecological Characteristics That Enhance Broussonetia papyrifera’s Invasion in a Semideciduous Forest in Ghana
Authors: Kyereh B. , Agyeman V. K. , Abebrese I. K.
Published: March 2014

Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) Vent. (Moraceae) was introduced to Ghana in 1969 and has since become second only to Chromolaena odorata as an invasive species in Ghanaian forests. This study determined its ecological traits that enhance its invasion of plant communities. Fruiting and viability patterns were studied through monthly monitoring of 985 trees (≥6 cm gbh) in one forest site. The effect of light on its seed germination was tested in light-proof boxes. Means of propagation were determined by tracking the origin of newly regenerated plants on a newly cleared plot of land that B. papyrifera had occupied. It fruited twice a year with one season (January–March) producing more fruits than the other (July-August). Fruiting occurred in trees as small as 9 cm gbh but the percentage of individuals fruiting in each size class increased with tree size. There was a clear pattern of seed viability during the January–March fruiting period. The species did not appear to have a naturally high seed viability with germination always below 50% of each weekly collection. Seed germination was depressed in dark. These results suggest that the species may be competitive in disturbed forest sites and therefore its spread may be aided by forest degradation.