bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Imaging in Patient Selection, Preoperative Planning, and Postoperative Monitoring in Human Upper Extremity Allotransplantation
Authors: Roth Eira S. , Buck David G. , Gorantla Vijay S. , Losee Joseph E. , Foust Daniel E. , Britton Cynthia A.
Published: March 2014

Objective. To describe the role of imaging in vascular composite allotransplantation based on one institution’s experience with upper extremity allotransplant patients.Methods. The institutional review board approved this review of HIPAA-compliant patient data without the need for individual consent. A retrospective review was performed of imaging from 2008 to 2011 on individuals undergoing upper extremity transplantation. This demonstrated that, of the 19 patients initially considered, 5 patients with a mean age of 37 underwent transplantation. Reports were correlated clinically to delineate which preoperative factors lead to patient selection versus disqualification and what concerns dictated postoperative imaging. Findings were subdivided into musculoskeletal and vascular imaging criterion.Results. Within the screening phase, musculoskeletal exclusion criterion included severe shoulder arthropathy, poor native bone integrity, and marked muscular atrophy. Vascular exclusion criterion included loss of sufficient arterial or venous supply and significant distortion of the native vascular architecture. Postoperative imaging was used to document healing and hardware integrity. Postsurgical angiography and ultrasound were used to monitor for endothelial proliferation or thrombosis as signs of rejection and vascular complication.Conclusion. Multimodality imaging is an integral component of vascular composite allotransplantation surgical planning and surveillance to maximize returning form and functionality while minimizing possible complications.
Crystallographic and Computational Study of Purine: Caffeine Derivative
Authors: Mabied Ahmed F. , Shalaby Elsayed M. , Zayed Hamdia A. , Farag Ibrahim S. A.
Published: March 2014

The crystal structure of substituted purine derivative, 8-(3-butyl-4-phenyl-2,3-dihydrothiazol-2-ylidene)hydrazino-3,7-dihydro-1,3,7-trimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-diones, caffeine derivative, has been determined. It crystallized in monoclinic system and space group P21/c with unit cell parameters a = 15.2634 (9), b = 13.4692 (9), c = 11.9761 (7) Å, and β = 108.825 (3)°. Although each constituting moiety of the structure individually is planar, nonplanar configuration for the whole molecule was noticed. Molecular mechanics computations indicated the same nonplanar feature of the whole molecule. A network of intermolecular hydrogen bonds contacts and π interactions stabilized the structure.
Description of Dispersive Wave Emission and Supercontinuum Generation in Silicon Waveguides Using Split-Step Fourier and Runge-Kutta Integration Methods
Authors: Li Xuefeng
Published: March 2014

Based on solving numerically the generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation describing the propagation of high order femtosecond soliton in silicon waveguide under certain parametric conditions by the split-step Fourier and Runge-Kutta integration methods, dispersive wave emission and supercontinuum generation in silicon waveguides are numerically investigated by propagating femtosecond solitons. The numerical results show that the efficient dispersive wave emission can be generated in silicon waveguide, which plays an important role in the process of the supercontinuum generation with the form of Cherenkov radiation, and it is also shown that the high order low-energy solitons and short waveguides are efficient for the dispersive wave emission.
Two-Stage Conversion of High Free Fatty AcidJatropha curcasOil to Biodiesel Using Brønsted Acidic Ionic Liquid and KOH as Catalysts
Authors: Das Subrata , Thakur Ashim Jyoti , Deka Dhanapati
Published: March 2014

Biodiesel was produced from high free fatty acid (FFA)Jatropha curcasoil (JCO) by two-stage process in which esterification was performed by Brønsted acidic ionic liquid 1-(1-butylsulfonic)-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BSMIM]Cl) followed by KOH catalyzed transesterification. Maximum FFA conversion of 93.9% was achieved and it reduced from 8.15 wt% to 0.49 wt% under the optimum reaction conditions of methanol oil molar ratio 12 : 1 and 10 wt% of ionic liquid catalyst at 70°C in 6 h. The ionic liquid catalyst was reusable up to four times of consecutive runs under the optimum reaction conditions. At the second stage, the esterified JCO was transesterified by using 1.3 wt% KOH and methanol oil molar ratio of 6 : 1 in 20 min at 64°C. The yield of the final biodiesel was found to be 98.6% as analyzed by NMR spectroscopy. Chemical composition of the final biodiesel was also determined by GC-MS analysis.
Energy-Aware Base Stations: The Effect of Planning, Management, and Femto Layers
Authors: Koutitas G. , Chiaraviglio L. , Ciullo Delia , Meo M. , Tassiulas L.
Published: March 2014

We compare the performance of three base station management schemes on three different network topologies. In addition, we explore the effect of offloading traffic to heterogeneous femtocell layer upon energy savings taking into account the increase of base station switch-off time intervals. Fairness between mobile operator and femtocell owners is maintained since current femtocell technologies present flat power consumption curves with respect to served traffic. We model two different user-to-femtocell association rules in order to capture realistic and maximum gains from the heterogeneous network. To provide accurate findings and a holistic overview of the techniques, we explore a real urban district where channel estimations and power control are modeled using deterministic algorithms. Finally, we explore energy efficiency metrics that capture savings in the mobile network operator, the required watts per user and watts per bitrate. It is found that the newly established pseudo distributed management scheme is the most preferable solution for practical implementations and together with the femotcell layer the network can handle dynamic load control that is regarded as the basic element of future demand response programs.
Onη-Upper Sign Property and Upper Sign Continuity and Their Applications in Equilibrium-Like Problems
Authors: Farajzadeh Ali , Jafari Somaye , Pang Chin-Tzong
Published: March 2014

We first introduce the notion ofη-upper sign property which is an extension of the upper sign property introduced in Castellani and Giuli, 2013, by relaxing convexity on the set. Afterwards, we establish a link between the solution sets of local dual equilibrium problem (Minty local equilibrium problem) and equilibrium problem for mappings whose domains are not necessarily convex by relaxing the upper sign continuity on the map, as it is assumed in the literature (Bianchi and Pini, 2005; Castellani and Giuli, 2013; Farajzadeh and Zafarani, 2010). Accordingly, it allows us to extend and obtain some existence results for equilibrium-like problems.
Energy-Aware Service Composition Algorithms for Service-Oriented Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Tao , Cheng Lianglun , Zhang Ke , Liu Jun
Published: March 2014

Wireless sensor networks are evolving with increasingly device heterogeneity, while the problem of effectively composing the platform-specific functionalities provided by heterogeneous sensor nodes to achieve specific goals still remains a challenge. Because of the constrained resources and unreliable communication in sensor networks, traditional service composition techniques in web services with adequate resources are insufficient. In this paper, focusing on the limited energy of sensor nodes, we propose an energy-aware service composition framework for developing various applications in heterogeneous wireless sensor networks. With both the energy-aware metrics: energy-aware load-balancing factor and overall energy consumption, we formulate the process of energy-aware sensor service composition into a combinatorial optimization problem; furthermore, an improved discrete particle swarm optimization (IDPSO) algorithm with inertia weights adjustment and extreme perturbation scheme is proposed to solve the combinatorial optimization problem. The experiment results have shown that the performance of the service route given by IDPSO is approximately equal to the best service route searched out by the exhaustive algorithm. Meanwhile, our proposed energy-aware service composition method is able to reduce the energy consumption and prolong the lifetime of the sensor network when providing stable service composition for various applications.
Fixed Point Theorems of Set-Valued Mappings in Partially Ordered Hausdorff Topological Spaces
Authors: Jiang Shujun , Li Zhilong , Luo Shihua
Published: March 2014

In this work, several fixed point theorems of set-valued monotone mappings and set-valued Caristi-type mappings are proved in partially ordered Hausdorff topological spaces, which indeed extend and improve many recent results in the setting of metric spaces.
HIV Risk Perception among HIV Negative or Status-Unknown Men Who Have Sex with Men in China
Authors: Fan Wensheng , Yin Lu , Qian Han-Zhu , Li Dongliang , Shao Yiming , Vermund Sten H. , Ruan Yuhua , Zhang Zheng
Published: March 2014

Objective.To evaluate HIV risk perception and its associated factors among Chinese MSM.Methods.A cross-sectional study was conducted among MSM with an HIV negative or unknown status in Beijing, China, between 2011 and 2012. A questionnaire interview was conducted and a blood sample was collected for HIV and syphilis testing.Results.Of 887 MSM who reported they were HIV negative or did not know their HIV status before recruitment, only 7.3% reported a high risk of HIV infection, 28.0% medium risk, 52.2% low risk, and 12.5% no risk. In multivariate logistic regression models using those who reported a medium self-perceived risk as a reference group, self-reported high risk of HIV perception was associated with minority ethnicity (odds ratio [OR]: 2.91; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–8.19), self-reported history of sexually transmitted diseases (OR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.25–4.10), and HIV testing times since the last HIV testing (OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.26–0.84); low self-perceived risk of HIV infection was related to full-time employment (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.15–2.18) and illicit drug use (OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.10–0.75).Conclusions.The HIV/AIDS epidemic is rapidly rising among Beijing MSM, but more than half MSM did not perceive this risk.
Evaluation of Antibacterial Enrofloxacin in Eggs by Matrix Solid Phase Dispersion-Flow Injection Chemiluminescence
Authors: Duan Xiaocui , Zhang Pingping , Feng Jing , Jiao Ning
Published: March 2014

The study based on the chemiluminescence (CL) reaction of potassium ferricyanide and luminol in sodium hydroxide medium, enrofloxacin (ENRO) could dramatically enhance CL intensities and incorporated with matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) technique (Florisil used as dispersant, dichloromethane eluted the target compounds). A simple flow injection chemiluminescence (FL-CL) method with MSPD technique for determination of ENRO in eggs was described. Under optimal conditions, the CL intensities were linearly related to ENRO concentration ranging from4.0×10-8 g.L−1to5.0×10-5 g.L−1, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9989 and detection limit of5.0×10-9 g.L−1. The relative standard deviation was 3.6% at an ENRO concentration of2.0×10-6 g.L−1. Our testing technique can help ensure food safety, and thus, protect public health.
Anodic Fabrication of Ti‐Nb‐Zr‐O Nanotube Arrays
Authors: Liu Qiang , Ding Dongyan , Ning Congqin
Published: March 2014

Highly ordered Ti‐Nb‐Zr‐O nanotube arrays were fabricated through pulse anodic oxidation of Ti‐Nb‐Zr alloy in 1 M NaH2PO4 containing 0.5 wt% HF electrolytes. The effect of anodization parameters and Zr content on the microstructure and composition of Ti‐Nb‐Zr‐O nanotubes was investigated using a scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. It was found that length of the Ti‐Nb‐Zr‐O nanotubes increased with increase of Zr contents. The diameter and the length of Ti‐Nb‐Zr‐O nanotubes could be controlled by pulse voltage. XRD analysis of Ti‐Nb‐Zr‐O samples annealed at 500°C in air indicated that the (101) diffraction peaks shifted from 25.78° to 25.05° for annealed Ti‐Nb‐Zr‐O samples with different Zr contents because of larger lattice parameter of Ti‐Nb‐Zr‐O compared to that of undoped TiO2.
Prediction of Waste Heat Energy Recovery Performance in a Naturally Aspirated Engine Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Herawan Safarudin Gazali , Rohhaizan Abdul Hakim , Putra Azma , Ismail Ahmad Faris
Published: March 2014

The waste heat from exhaust gases represents a significant amount of thermal energy, which has conventionally been used for combined heating and power applications. This paper explores the performance of a naturally aspirated spark ignition engine equipped with waste heat recovery mechanism (WHRM). The experimental and simulation test results suggest that the concept is thermodynamically feasible and could significantly enhance the system performance depending on the load applied to the engine. The simulation method is created using an artificial neural network (ANN) which predicts the power produced from the WHRM.
Synthesis of CdIn2S4Microsphere and Its Photocatalytic Activity for Azo Dye Degradation
Authors: Huang Jianhui , Lin Wei , Chen Jianqin
Published: March 2014

CdIn2S4was prepared by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis. The prepared CdIn2S4was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FSEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS), and N2-sorption techniques. Aqueous photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the decomposition of methyl orange under visible light irradiation. The results indicate that the prepared CdIn2S4has spherical morphology with mesoporous structure which can efficiently degrade methyl orange in water. The sample prepared at 500°C exhibits the optimized photocatalytic activity.
Aberrant Hedgehog Signaling and Clinical Outcome in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Lo Winnie W. , Pinnaduwage Dushanthi , Gokgoz Nalan , Wunder Jay S. , Andrulis Irene L.
Published: March 2014

Despite the importance of Hedgehog signaling in bone development, the relationship between Hedgehog pathway expression and osteosarcoma clinical characteristics and outcome has not been investigated. In this study of 43 high-grade human osteosarcoma samples, we detected high expression levels of the Hedgehog ligand gene,IHH, and target genes,PTCH1andGLI1, in most samples. Further analysis in tumors of patients with localized disease at diagnosis identified coexpression ofIHHandPTCH1exclusively in large tumors. Higher levels ofIHHwere observed more frequently in males and patients with higher levels ofGLI1were more responsive to chemotherapy. Subgroup analysis by tumor size andIHHexpression indicated that the well-known association between survival and tumor size was further refined whenIHHlevels were taken into consideration.
Characterization and Empirical Modelling of Sliding Wear on Sintered Aluminium-Graphite Composites
Authors: Doraisamy Amrishraj , Thiagarajan Senthilvelan
Published: March 2014

Aluminium-graphite composites were synthesized using powder metallurgy route. Graphite was added as reinforcement in the range of 0, 3, and 6 weight % and composites were prepared by P/M. Microstructural analysis of the newly synthesized composites was carried out using SEM. The hardness of the composites was studied using Vickers microhardness tester, by applying a load of 1 kg for 5 sec. Also the amount of porosity was determined. Further the wear test was conducted on the sintered specimens using pin-on-disc wear apparatus according to ASTM-G99 standards. A regression model was developed to predict the wear rate of the specimen. Then the worn images were studied using SEM based on response surface methodology in order to understand the various wear mechanisms involved. The study revealed that mild wear, oxidational wear, plowing, cutting, and plastic deformation are the main mechanisms responsible for causing the wear.
The Effect of Nanoparticles on Thermal Efficiency of Double Tube Heat Exchangers in Turbulent Flow
Authors: Aghayari Reza , Madah Heydar , Keyvani Bahram , Moghadassi Abdolreza , Ashori Fatemeh
Published: March 2014

This paper refers to the Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient of Nano Fluids (OHTCNF) in heat exchangers and the relevant effective parameters. An improvement in Heat Transfer (HT) and OHTCNF containing nanoaluminum oxide with ca. 20 nm particle size and particular volume fraction in the range of 0.001-0.002 has been reported. The effects of temperature and concentration of nanoparticles on HT variation as well as Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient (OHTC) in a countercurrent double tube heat exchanger with turbulent flow have been studied. The experimental results show a remarkable 8%–10% rise in the mean HT and the OHTC. Accordingly, with an increase in the processing temperature and/or particle concentration the OHTC was observed to increase.
Probabilistic Ensemble Forecast of Summertime Temperatures in Pakistan
Authors: Hanif Muhammad
Published: March 2014

Snowmelt flooding triggered by intense heat is a major temperature related weather hazard in northern Pakistan, and the frequency of such extreme flood events has increased during the recent years. In this study, the probabilistic temperature forecasts at seasonal and subseasonal time scales based on hindcasts simulations from three state-of-the-art models within the DEMETER project are assessed by the relative operating characteristic (ROC) verification method. Results based on direct model outputs reveal significant skill for hot summers in February 3–5 (ROCarea=0.707with lower 95% confidence limit of 0.538) and February 4-5 (ROCarea=0.771with lower 95% confidence limit of 0.623) forecasts when validated against observations. Results for ERA-40 reanalysis also show skill for hot summers. Skilful probabilistic ensemble forecasts of summertime temperatures may be valuable in providing the foreknowledge of snowmelt flooding and water management in Pakistan.
A Torque Discontinuity Free New Hybrid PWM Approach for High Speed Induction Motor Drives
Authors: Rehman Habibur , Mahmood Roufin , Shah Taimoor
Published: April 2014

This paper designs a hybrid speed controller in which a Sine Triangle Pulse Width Modulated (SPWM) inverter is used below the base speed and a square wave inverter is employed above the base speed. The two inversion techniques complement each other for their advantages and disadvantages below and above the base speed. This paper proposes a unique strategy for the transition between SPWM and square wave by simply setting the frequency of the carrier signal equal to zero. The proposed methodology in a way uses only one inversion technique and realizes a seamless transition from the SPWM to square wave compared to conventional method in which modes are simply switched from SPWM to square wave and vice versa when the speed changes above and below the base speed, respectively. Computer simulations show that the proposed technique has smoother torque transition and thus a better speed response compared to conventional approach of inverter mode switching around the base speed. The performance of proposed hybrid approach is also validated on a small prototype induction motor through experimental results.
Study on Qi Deficiency Syndrome Identification Modes of Coronary Heart Disease Based on Metabolomic Biomarkers
Authors: Shi Qi , Zhao Huihui , Chen Jianxin , Li Youlin , Li Zhongfeng , Wang Juan , Wang Wei
Published: March 2014

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the most important types of heart disease because of its high incidence and mortality. With the era of systems biology bursting into reality, the analysis of the whole biological systems whether they are cells, tissues, organs, or the whole organisms has now become the norm of biological researches. Metabolomics is the branch of science concerned with the quantitative understandings of the metabolite complement of integrated living systems and their dynamic responses to the changes of both endogenous and exogenous factors. The aim of this study is to discuss the characteristics of plasma metabolites in CHD patients and CHD Qi deficiency syndrome patients and explore the composition and concentration changes of the plasma metabolomic biomarkers. The results show that 25 characteristic metabolites related to the CHD patients comparing with the healthy people, and 4 identifiable variables had significant differences between Qi deficiency and non‐Qi deficiency patients. On the basis of identifying the different plasma endogenous metabolites between CHD patients and healthy people, we further prompted the metabolic rules, pathogenesis, and biological essence in Qi deficiency syndrome patients.
Numerical Treatment of the Modified Time Fractional Fokker-Planck Equation
Authors: Zhang Yuxin
Published: March 2014

A numerical method for the modified time fractional Fokker-Planck equation is proposed. Stability and convergence of the method are rigorously discussed by means of the Fourier method. We prove that the difference scheme is unconditionally stable, and convergence order isO(τ+h4), whereτandhare the temporal and spatial step sizes, respectively. Finally, numerical results are given to confirm the theoretical analysis.
An Uncertain Wage Contract Model with Adverse Selection and Moral Hazard
Authors: Wang Xiulan , Lan Yanfei , Wang Jiao
Published: March 2014

This paper considers a wage contract design problem faced by an employer (he) who employs an employee (she) to work for him in labor market. Since the employee's ability that affects the productivity is her private information and cannot be observed by the employer, it can be characterized as an uncertain variable. Moreover, the employee's effort is unobservable to the employer, and the employee can select her effort level to maximize her utility. Thus, an uncertain wage contract model with adverse selection and moral hazard is established to maximize the employer's expected profit. And the model analysis mainly focuses on the equivalent form of the proposed wage contract model and the optimal solution to this form. The optimal solution indicates that both the employee's effort level and the wage increase with the employee's ability. Lastly, a numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Vinorelbine with or without Trastuzumab in Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Single Institution Series
Authors: Stravodimou Athina , Zaman Khalil , Voutsadakis Ioannis A.
Published: March 2014

Background. We report our experience with vinorelbine, a widely used chemotherapeutic, in unselected metastatic breast cancer patients treated in clinical routine. Patients and Methods. The data of all patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving vinorelbine with or without trastuzumab during a six year period were reviewed. Patients received vinorelbine intravenous 25–30 mg/m2 or 60–80 mg/m2 orally in days 1 and 8 of a 21 day cycle. Results. Eighty-seven women were included. Sixty-two patients received vinorelbine alone and 25 patients received vinorelbine in combination with trastuzumab. In 67 patients this was the first line treatment for metastatic disease and in 20 patients it was 2nd or later line of treatment. The median TTP was six months (range: 1–45). The median overall survival was 11.5 months (range: 1–83). Seventy patients were evaluable for response. In patients receiving first line treatment 44.4% had a response while in the second and subsequent lines setting 12.5% of patients responded (P=0.001). Objective response was obtained in 63.6% of patients receiving concomitant trastuzumab and in 25% of patients receiving vinorelbine alone (P=0.0002). Conclusion. This study confirms a high disease control rate. Response rate and TTP were superior in first line treatment compared to subsequent lines.
Fall in Vitamin D Levels during Hospitalization in Children
Authors: Dayal Devi , Kumar Suresh , Sachdeva Naresh , Kumar Rakesh , Singh Meenu , Singhi Sunit
Published: March 2014

Plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were measured by competitive Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA) in 92 children (67 boys, 25 girls) aged 3 months to 12 years at admission to hospital (timepoint 1, T1) and at discharge (timepoint 2, T2). There was a significant fall in the mean 25(OH)D from T1 (71.87 ± 27.25 nmol/L) to T2 (49.03 ± 22.25 nmol/L) (mean change = 22.84 nmol/L,Pvalue = 0.0004). Proportion of patients having VDD (levels <50 nmol/L) at admission (25%, 23/92) increased significantly at the time of discharge (51.09%, 47/92) (P=0.0004). There was a trend towards longer duration of hospital stay, requirement of ventilation and inotropes, development of healthcare-associated infection, and mortality in vitamin D deficient as compared to nondeficient patients though the difference was statistically insignificant. In conclusion, vitamin D levels fall significantly and should be monitored during hospital stay in children. Large clinical studies are needed to prospectively evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation in vitamin D deficient hospitalized children on various disease outcome parameters.
On Fuzzy Fractional Laplace Transformation
Authors: Jafarian Ahmad , Golmankhaneh Alireza Khalili , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: March 2014

Fuzzy and fractional differential equations are used to model problems with uncertainty and memory. Using the fractional fuzzy Laplace transformation we have solved the fuzzy fractional eigenvalue differential equation. By illustrative examples we have shown the results.
Familial Mediterranean Fever: Diagnosing as Early as 3 Months of Age
Authors: Keskindemirci Gonca , Aktay Ayaz Nuray , Aldemir Esin , Aydoğmuş Çiğdem , Aydoğan Gönül , Kavuncuoğlu Sultan
Published: March 2014

Familial Mediterranean Fever is an autosomal recessive disease. Major symptoms of disease are recurrent fever accompanied by serositis attacks. The disease is usually diagnosed before 20 years of age. Symptoms related to FMF are noted when children become more verbal, usually after 2 years of age. In this case report, the youngest patient with the diagnosis of FMF is presented. She was consulted to pediatric rheumatology for the high acute phase response and fever. It was learned that her mother had recurrent swelling of her ankle joints. Mutation analysis was performed and two homozygous mutations (M694V and R202Q) were identified. She was diagnosed as FMF at 3 months of age and colchicine was started. She responded to colchicine. Her uncontrolled acute phase response declined gradually. This case was reported to point out the importance of early remembrance of autoinflammatory diseases even at very early ages especially at endemic countries.
Application of the Homotopy Analysis Method for Solving the Variable Coefficient KdV-Burgers Equation
Authors: Lu Dianchen , Liu Jie
Published: March 2014

The homotopy analysis method is applied to solve the variable coefficient KdV-Burgers equation. With the aid of generalized elliptic method and Fourier’s transform method, the approximate solutions of double periodic form are obtained. These solutions may be degenerated into the approximate solutions of hyperbolic function form and the approximate solutions of trigonometric function form in the limit cases. The results indicate that this method is efficient for the nonlinear models with the dissipative terms and variable coefficients.
Cu‐Doped‐CdS/In‐Doped‐CdS Cosensitized Quantum Dot Solar Cells
Authors: Li Lin , Zou Xiaoping , Zhou Hongquan , Teng Gongqing
Published: March 2014

Cu‐doped‐CdS and In‐doped‐CdS cosensitized (Cu‐doped‐CdS/In‐doped‐CdS) quantum dot solar cells (QDSCs) are introduced here. Different cosensitized sequences, doping ratios, and the thickness (SILAR cycles) of Cu‐doped‐CdS and In‐doped‐CdS are discussed. Compared with undoped CdS QDSCs, the short circuit current density, UV‐Vis absorption spectra, IPCE (monochromatic incident photon‐to‐electron conversion), open circuit voltage, and so on are all improved. The photoelectric conversion efficiency has obviously improved from 0.71% to 1.28%.
A New Nested Allele-Specific Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Method for Haplotyping ofVKORC1Gene to Predict Warfarin Sensitivity
Authors: Chua Yung An , Abdullah Wan Zaidah , Yusof Zukurnai , Gan Siew Hua
Published: March 2014

The vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1 gene (VKORC1) is commonly assessed to predict warfarin sensitivity. In this study, a new nested allele-specific multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method that can simultaneously identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) atVKORC1381, 861, 5808, and 9041 for haplotype analysis was developed and validated. Extracted DNA was amplified in the first PCR DNA, which was optimized by investigating the effects of varying the primer concentrations, annealing temperature, magnesium chloride concentration, enzyme concentration, and the amount of DNA template. The amplification products produced from the first round of PCR were used as templates for a second PCR amplification in which both mutant and wild-type primers were added in separate PCR tubes, followed by optimization in a similar manner. The final PCR products were resolved by agarose gel electrophoresis and further analysed by using aVKORC1genealogic tree to infer patient haplotypes. Fifty patients were identified to have H1H1, one had H1H2, one had H1H7, 31 had either H1H7 or H1H9, one had H1H9, eight had H7H7, and one had H8H9 haplotypes. This is the first method that is able to inferVKORC1haplotypes using only conventional PCR methods.
Effect of Sn Addition on Thermal and Optical Properties of Pb9Se71Ge20-xSnx  (8≤x≤12) Glass
Authors: Modgil Vivek , Rangra V. S.
Published: March 2014

Study of thermal and optical parameters of Pb9Se71Ge20-xSnx  (8≤x≤12) glass has been undertaken. Crystallization and glass transition kinetics has been investigated under nonisothermal conditions by DSC technique. Phase separation has been observed in the material and is investigated by taking the XRD of annealed bulk samples. The material possesses good glass forming ability, high value of glass transition temperature about 420 K, and glass stability. Optical band gap and other optical constants such as refractive index and extinction coefficient have been determined. The isoelectronic substitution of Ge with Sn in the glassy system reduces the optical band gap and enhances the thermal properties.
Exchange Rate Movement and Foreign Direct Investment in Asean Economies
Authors: Lily Jaratin , Kogid Mori , Mulok Dullah , Thien Sang Lim , Asid Rozilee
Published: March 2014

The inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) are important for a country's economic development, but the world market for FDI has become more competitive. This paper empirically analyses the exchange rate movements and foreign direct investment (FDI) relationship using annual data on ASEAN economies, that is, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore. By employing ARDL bounds test approach, the empirical results show the existence of significant long-run cointegration between exchange rate and FDI for the case of Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines with all countries recording negative coefficient implying that the appreciation of Singapore dollar, Malaysian ringgit, and the Philippine peso has a positive impact on FDI inflows. Using the ECM based ARDL approach for causality test, both Singapore and the Philippines show long-run bidirectional causality between exchange rate and FDI whereas long-run unidirectional causality running from the exchange rate to FDI in Malaysia. Furthermore, this study also found that short-run unidirectional causality running from the exchange rate to FDI exists in Singapore.
An Investigation on the Properties of Palm-Based Polyurethane Solid Polymer Electrolyte
Authors: Daud Farah Nadia , Ahmad Azizan , Haji Badri Khairiah
Published: March 2014

Palm-based polyurethane electrolyte was prepared via prepolymerization method between palm kernel oil polyol (PKO-p) and 2,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) in acetone at room temperature with the presence of lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiCF3SO3). The effect of varying the concentration of LiCF3SO3salt on the ionic conductivity, chemical interaction, and structural and morphological properties of the polyurethane solid polymer electrolyte was investigated. The produced film was analyzed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The EIS result showed that the highest ionic conductivity was at 30 wt% LiCF3SO3with a value of 1.6 × 10−5 S·cm−1. Infrared analysis showed the interaction between lithium ions and amine group (–N–H) at (3600–3100 cm−1), carbonyl group (–C=O) at (1750–1650 cm−1), and ether group (–C–O–C–) at (1150–1000 cm−1) of the polyurethane forming polymer-salt complexes. The XRD result proved that LiCF3SO3salt completely dissociates within the polyurethane film as no crystalline peaks of LiCF3SO3were observed. The morphological study revealed that the films prepared have a good homogeneity and compatibility as no phase separation occurred.
Note on the Stability Property of a Cooperative System Incorporating Harvesting
Authors: Xie Xiangdong , Chen Fengde , Xue Yalong
Published: April 2014

The stability of a kind of cooperative model incorporating harvesting is revisited in this paper. By using an iterative method, the global attractivity of the interior equilibrium point of the system is investigated. We show that the condition which ensures the existence of a unique positive equilibrium is enough to ensure the global attractivity of the positive equilibrium. Our results significantly improve the corresponding results of Wei and Li (2013).
Atrioventricular Dissociation following Blunt Chest Trauma
Authors: Surani Salim , Allen Karen , Ocegueda-Pacheco Cynthia , Varon Joseph
Published: March 2014

Blunt chest trauma (BCT) is a common clinical presentation seen in emergency departments. Few cases of cardiac conduction abnormalities due to BCT have been reported in the medical literature. This dysrhythmias may present as permanent conduction defects requiring permanent pacemaker or may have temporary conduction abnormalities requiring temporary pacemaker or supportive care. We present the case of a young woman who suffered from BCT after being kicked by a horse with the development of a significant substernal hematoma. She developed temporary atrioventricular block, which was completely resolved with the decrease in the size of the substernal hematoma suffered.
Modeling of Dielectric Heating within Lyophilization Process
Authors: Kyncl Jan , Doubek Jiří , Musálek Lubomír
Published: April 2014

A process of lyophilization of paper books is modeled. The process of drying is controlled by a dielectric heating system. From the physical viewpoint, the task represents a 2D coupled problem described by two partial differential equations for the electric and temperature fields. The material parameters are supposed to be temperature‐dependent functions. The continuous mathematical model is solved numerically. The methodology is illustrated with some examples whose results are discussed.
Ray Tracing Methods for Correcting Chromatic Aberrations in Imaging Systems
Authors: Reshidko Dmitry , Nakanato Masatsugu , Sasián José
Published: March 2014

The correction of chromatic aberrations is typically performed using aberration formulas or by using real ray tracing. While the use of aberration formulas might be effective for some simple optical systems, it has limitations for complex and fast systems. For this reason chromatic aberration correction is usually accomplished with real ray tracing. However, existing optimization tools in lens design software typically mix the correction of monochromatic and chromatic aberrations by construction of an error function that minimizes both aberrations at the same time. This mixing makes the correction of one aberration type dependent on the correction of the other aberration type. We show two methods to separate the chromatic aberrations correction of a lens system. In the first method we use forward and reverse ray tracing and fictitious nondispersive glasses, to cancel the monochromatic aberration content and allow the ray tracing optimization to focus mainly on the color correction. On the second method we provide the algorithm for an error function that separates aberrations. Furthermore, we also demonstrate how these ray tracing methods can be applied to athermalize an optical system. We are unaware that these simple but effective methods have been already discussed in detail by other authors.
Inhibiting C-Reactive Protein for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease: Promising Evidence from Rodent Models
Authors: Szalai Alexander J. , McCrory Mark A. , Xing Dongqi , Hage Fadi G. , Miller Andrew , Oparil Suzanne , Chen Yiu-Fai , Mazzone Michelle , Early Richard , Henry Scott P. , Zanardi Thomas A. , Graham Mark J. , Crooke Rosanne M.
Published: April 2014

Raised blood C-reactive protein (CRP) level is a predictor of cardiovascular events, but whether blood CRP is causal in the disease process is unknown. The latter would best be defined by pharmacological inhibition of the protein in the context of a randomized case-control study. However, no CRP specific drug is currently available so such a prospective study cannot be performed. Blood CRP is synthesized primarily in the liver and the liver is an organ where antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) drugs accumulate. Taking advantage of this we evaluated the efficacy of CRP specific ASOs in rodents with experimentally induced cardiovascular damage. Treating rats for 4 weeks with a rat CRP-specific ASO achieved >60% reduction of blood CRP. Notably, this effect was associated with improved heart function and pathology following myocardial infarction (induced by ligation of the left anterior descending artery). Likewise in human CRP transgenic mice treated for 2 weeks with a human CRP-specific ASO, blood human CRP was reduced by >70% and carotid artery patency was improved (2 weeks after surgical ligation). CRP specific ASOs might pave the way towards a placebo-controlled trial that could clarify the role of CRP in cardiovascular disease.
Atopic Dermatitis: Natural History, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Authors: Thomsen Simon Francis
Published: April 2014

Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease with early onset and with a lifetime prevalence of approximately 20%. The aetiology of atopic dermatitis is unknown, but the recent discovery of filaggrin mutations holds promise that the progression of atopic dermatitis to asthma in later childhood may be halted. Atopic dermatitis is not always easily manageable and every physician should be familiar with the fundamental aspects of treatment. This paper gives an overview of the natural history, clinical features, and treatment of atopic dermatitis.
A Novel Selective Ensemble Algorithm for Imbalanced Data Classification Based on Exploratory Undersampling
Authors: Yin Qing-Yan , Zhang Jiang-She , Zhang Chun-Xia , Ji Nan-Nan
Published: March 2014

Learning with imbalanced data is one of the emergent challenging tasks in machine learning. Recently, ensemble learning has arisen as an effective solution to class imbalance problems. The combination of bagging and boosting with data preprocessing resampling, namely, the simplest and accurate exploratory undersampling, has become the most popular method for imbalanced data classification. In this paper, we propose a novel selective ensemble construction method based on exploratory undersampling, RotEasy, with the advantage of improving storage requirement and computational efficiency by ensemble pruning technology. Our methodology aims to enhance the diversity between individual classifiers through feature extraction and diversity regularized ensemble pruning. We made a comprehensive comparison between our method and some state‐of‐the‐art imbalanced learning methods. Experimental results on 20 real‐world imbalanced data sets show that RotEasy possesses a significant increase in performance, contrasted by a nonparametric statistical test and various evaluation criteria.
Observability Estimate for the Fractional Order Parabolic Equations on Measurable Sets
Authors: Zheng Guojie , Ali M. Montaz
Published: March 2014

We establish an observability estimate for the fractional order parabolic equations evolved in a bounded domainΩofℝn. The observation region isF×ω, whereωandFare measurable subsets ofΩand (0,T), respectively, with positive measure. This inequality is equivalent to the null controllable property for a linear controlled fractional order parabolic equation. The building of this estimate is based on the Lebeau-Robbiano strategy and a delicate result in measure theory provided in Phung and Wang (2013).
Functional Epigenetic Analysis of Prostate Carcinoma: A Role for Seryl-tRNA Synthetase?
Authors: Ikromov Odiljon , Alkamal Imad , Magheli Ahmed , Ratert Nadine , Sendeski Mauricio , Miller Kurt , Krause Hans , Kempkensteffen Carsten
Published: March 2014

Transcriptional silencing, as a result of aberrant promoter hypermethylation, is a common mechanism through which genes in cancer cells become inactive. Functional epigenetic screens using demethylating agents to reexpress transcriptional silenced genes may identify such inactivated genes for needing further evaluation. We aimed to identify genes so far not known to be inactivated by promoter hypermethylation in prostate cancer. DU-145 and LNCaP cells were treated with the DNMT inhibitor zebularine. Expression changes of total RNA from treated and untreated cells were compared using an RNA expression microarray. Genes upregulated more than 2-fold were evaluated by RT-qPCR in 50 cases of paired normal and tumor tissues of prostate cancer patients. SARS was found to be downregulated in prostate cancer in 42/50 cases (84%). In addition, GADD45A and SPRY4 showed a remarkable diminished expression (88% and 74%, resp.). The gold standard for promoter hypermethylation-inactivated genes in prostate cancer (GSTP1) was repressed in 90% of our patient samples. ROC analyses reported statistically significant AUC curves in SARS, GADD45A, and GSTP1 and positive Spearman correlations were found between these genes. SARS was discovered to be a novel gene that is repressed in prostate cancer and could therefore be recommended for its involvement in prostate carcinogenesis.
Using Surgical Microscope for Sclera Buckling and Transscleral Cryopexy: An Alternative Procedure of Treatment for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Authors: Zhong Liu-xue-ying , Du Yi , Liu Wen , Huang Su-Ying , Zhang Shao-chong
Published: March 2014

Purpose.To observe the long-term effectiveness of scleral buckling and transscleral cryopexy conducted under a surgical microscope in the treatment of uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.Methods.This was a retrospective analysis in a total of 227 consecutive patients (244 eyes) with uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (proliferative vitreoretinopathy ≤ C2). All patients underwent scleral buckling and transscleral cryopexy under a surgical microscope without using a binocular indirect ophthalmoscope or a contact lens.Results.After initial surgery, complete retinal reattachment was achieved in 226 eyes (92.6%), and retinal redetachment developed in 18 eyes (7.4%). The causes of retinal redetachment included presence of new breaks in eight eyes (44%), failure to completely seal the breaks in five eyes (28%), missed retinal breaks in four eyes (22%), and iatrogenic retinal breaks in one eye (6%). Scleral buckling surgery was performed again in 12 eyes (66%). Four eyes (22%) developed proliferative vitreoretinopathy and then were treated by vitrectomy. The sealing of retinal breaks and complete retinal reattachment were achieved in 241 eyes (98.8%).Conclusion.Probably because of clear visualization of retinal breaks and being controllable under a surgical microscope, the microsurgery of scleral buckling and transscleral cryopexy for uncomplicated retinal detachment exhibits advisable effectiveness.
Nitrite Inhalants Use and HIV Infection among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China
Authors: Li Dongliang , Yang Xueying , Zhang Zheng , Qi Xiao , Ruan Yuhua , Jia Yujiang , Pan Stephen W. , Xiao Dong , Jennifer Huang Z. , Luo Fengji , Hu Yifei
Published: March 2014

Objective. This is the first study in China to examine the use of nitrite inhalants and its correlates among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing, China.Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2012. Structured interviews collected data on demographics, sexual and drug use behaviors, and the use of HIV services. Blood specimens were collected and tested for HIV and syphilis.Results. A total of 400 MSM eligible for the study were between 19 and 63 years of age and overall HIV prevalence was 6.0% (9.0% among nitrite inhalant users and 3.3% among nonusers). Nearly half (47.3%) of them reported ever using nitrite inhalants and 42.3% admitted using nitrite inhalants in the past year. Multivariable logistic analysis revealed that ever using nitrite inhalants in the past was independently associated with being aged≤25years, having higher education attainment, seeking sex via Internet, having casual partners in the past three months, and being HIV positive.Conclusion. The use of nitrite inhalants was alarmingly prevalent among MSM in Beijing. The independent association of the nitrite inhalant use with more casual sex partners and HIV infection underscored the need for intervention and prevention of nitrite inhalant use.
Single Ascending Dose Safety and Pharmacokinetics of CDRI-97/78: First-in-Human Study of a Novel Antimalarial Drug
Authors: Shafiq N. , Rajagopalan S. , Kushwaha H. N. , Mittal N. , Chandurkar N. , Bhalla A. , Kaur S. , Pandhi P. , Puri G. D. , Achuthan S. , Pareek A. , Singh S. K. , Srivastava J. S. , Gaur S. P. S. , Malhotra S.
Published: March 2014

Background. CDRI 97/78 has shown efficacy in animal models of falciparum malaria. The present study is the first in-human phase I trial in healthy volunteers. Methods. The study was conducted in 50 healthy volunteers in a single, ascending dose, randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind design. The dose ranges evaluated were from 80 mg to 700 mg. Volunteers were assessed for clinical, biochemical, haematological, radiographic, and electrocardiographic parameters for any adverse events in an in-house facility. After evaluation of safety study results, another cohort of 16 participants were administered a single oral dose of 200 mg of the drug and a detailed pharmacokinetic analysis was undertaken. Results. The compound was found to be well tolerated. MTD was not reached. The few adverse events noted were of grade 2 severity, not requiring intervention and not showing any dose response relationship. The laboratory and electrocardiographic parameters showed statistically significant differences, but all were within the predefined normal range. These parameters were not associated with symptoms/signs and hence regarded as clinically irrelevant. Mean values of T1/2, MRT, and AUC0-∞ of the active metabolite 97/63 were 11.85±1.94 h, 13.77±2.05 h, and 878.74±133.15 ng·h/mL, respectively Conclusion. The novel 1,2,4 trioxane CDRI 97/78 is safe and will be an asset in malarial therapy if results are replicated in multiple dose studies and benefit is shown in confirmatory trials.