bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the Electrodeposition Parameters to Improve the Stoichiometry of In2S3 Films for Solar Applications Using the Taguchi Method
Authors: Mughal Maqsood Ali , Newell M. Jason , Vangilder Joshua , Thapa Shyam , Wood Kayla , Engelken Robert , Carroll B. Ross , Johnson J. Bruce
Published: April 2014

Properties of electrodeposited semiconductor thin films are dependent upon the electrolyte composition, plating time, and temperature as well as the current density and the nature of the substrate. In this study, the influence of the electrodeposition parameters such as deposition voltage, deposition time, composition of solution, and deposition temperature upon the properties of In2S3 films was analyzed by the Taguchi Method. According to Taguchi analysis, the interaction between deposition voltage and deposition time was significant. Deposition voltage had the largest impact upon the stoichiometry of In2S3 films and deposition temperature had the least impact. The stoichiometric ratios between sulfur and indium (S/In: 3/2) obtained from experiments performed with optimized electrodeposition parameters were in agreement with predicted values from the Taguchi Method. The experiments were carried out according to Taguchi orthogonal array L27 (3∧4) design of experiments (DOE). Approximately 600 nm thick In2S3 films were electrodeposited from an organic bath (ethylene glycol‐based) containing indium chloride (InCl3), sodium chloride (NaCl), and sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3·5H2O), the latter used as an additional sulfur source along with elemental sulfur (S). An X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) unit, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were, respectively, used to analyze the phases, elemental composition, and morphology of the electrodeposited In2S3 films.
Active Smoking Increases Microsomal PGE2-Synthase-1/PGE-Receptor-4 Axis in Human Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Dilmé Jaime-Félix , Solà-Villà David , Bellmunt Sergi , Romero José-María , Escudero José-Román , Camacho Mercedes , Vila Luis
Published: April 2014

Background. The cyclooxygenase- (COX-) 2/microsomal PGE-synthase- (mPGES-) 1/PGE-receptor- (EP-) 4 axis could play a key role in the physiopathology of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in humans. In this study, we investigated the influence of cardiovascular risk factors on the expression of thePGE2pathway in human AAA.Methods. Aortic(n=89)and plasma(n=79)samples from patients who underwent AAA repair were collected. Patients were grouped according to risk factors. COX-isoenzymes, mPGES-1, EPs,α-actin, and CD45 and CD68 transcripts levels were quantified by QRT-PCR and plasmaPGE2metabolites by EIA.Results. Current smoking (CS) patients compared to no-CS had significantly higher local levels of mPGES-1(P=0.009), EP-4(P=0.007), andPGE2metabolites plasma levels(P=0.008). In the multiple linear regression analysis, these parameters remained significantly enhanced in CS after adding confounding factors. Results from association studies with cell type markers suggested that the increased mPGES-1/EP-4 levels were mainly associated with microvascular endothelial cells.Conclusions. This study shows that elements of thePGE2pathway, which play an important role in AAA development, are increased in CS. These results provide insight into the relevance of tobacco smoking in AAA development and reinforce the potential of mPGES-1 and EP-4 as targets for therapy in AAA patients.
FalciparumMalaria as an Emerging Cause of Fever in Adults Living in Gabon, Central Africa
Authors: Bouyou-Akotet Marielle K. , Offouga Christelle L. , Mawili-Mboumba Denise P. , Essola Laurence , Madoungou Blondel , Kombila Maryvonne
Published: April 2014

Following the observed increase of malaria prevalence among older children in Gabon, a descriptive observational study was carried out in 2012 to determine the prevalence of malaria in adults presenting with fever in two health centres of Libreville, the capital city of Gabon. Thick- and thin-blood smears for malaria diagnosis were performed in febrile individuals aged more than 15 years old. Age, use of bed nets, previous antimalarial drug treatment, clinical symptoms, chest radiography results, and available haemoglobin data were also recorded. Among the 304 patients screened, the global malaria frequency was of 42.1%(n=128/34).Plasmodium (P). falciparumwas the only species identified. The proportion of patients with a clinical malaria requiring parenteral treatment was 38.5%, whereas 47.5% of outpatients had uncomplicated malaria. According to WHO classification, 14 (19.7%) infected patients had severe malaria; neurological and respiratory symptoms tended to be more frequent in case ofP. falciparuminfection. Anaemia was found in 51.5% adults and none had severe anaemia. Almost half of adults consulting for fever in two health centres of the urban city of Libreville have malaria. The use of insecticide-treated bed nets, the screening, and the treatment of individuals withP. falciparummicroscopic and submicroscopic asymptomatic infection or clinical malaria should be emphasized to reduce the transmission.
Feasibility and Optimal Design of a Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Energy System for the Orphanage
Authors: Ani Vincent Anayochukwu
Published: April 2014

Access to electricity can have a positive psychological impact through a lessening of the sense of exclusion, and vulnerability often felt by the orphanages. This paper presented the simulation and optimization study of a stand-alone photovoltaic power system that produced the desired power needs of an orphanage. Solar resources for the design of the system were obtained from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Surface Meteorology and Solar Energy website at a location of 6°51′N latitude and 7°35′E longitude, with annual average solar radiation of 4.92 kWh/m2/d. This study is based on modeling, simulation, and optimization of energy system in the orphanage. The patterns of load consumption within the orphanage were studied and suitably modeled for optimization. Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER) software was used to analyze and design the proposed stand-alone photovoltaic power system model. The model was designed to provide an optimal system configuration based on an hour-by-hour data for energy availability and demands. A detailed design, description, and expected performance of the system were presented in this paper.
Does Mother Know Best? Maternal Knowledge Calibration Predicts Children’s Oral Language Development
Authors: Pinkham Ashley M. , Kaefer Tanya , Neuman Susan B.
Published: April 2014

For young children, maternal testimony is an important source of knowledge. Research suggests that children privilege assertions expressed with certainty; however, adults frequently overestimate their knowledge, which may lead them to express certainty about incorrect information. This study addressed three questions. (1) To what extent do mothers convey domain knowledge when talking to their kindergartners? (2) Do mothers successfully calibrate their knowledge during these conversations? (3) Does mothers’ knowledge calibration predict their children’s language outcomes? Forty-nine mother-child dyads read a picture book about a familiar domain. Mothers’ assertions of domain knowledge were coded for accuracy and expressed certainty. Results revealed that mothers tended to overestimate their knowledge. Knowledge calibration accuracy positively predicted child outcomes. Successful calibration was associated with stronger vocabulary knowledge and listening comprehension, whereas poor knowledge calibration was associated with weaker child outcomes. Knowledge calibration may be a crucial factor in the successful transmission of knowledge during mother-child conversations and impact children’s language development.
Osteosarcoma in Pediatric Patients and Young Adults: A Single Institution Retrospective Review of Presentation, Therapy, and Outcome
Authors: Haddox Candace L. , Han Gang , Anijar Leon , Binitie Odion , Letson G. Douglas , Bui Marilyn M. , Reed Damon R.
Published: April 2014

Background. Little is known about how cumulative chemotherapy delivery influences the poorer outcome observed in young adult (YA, 18–40 years) versus pediatric (<18 years) osteosarcoma patients. Here, we retrospectively examined differences in presentation, therapy, including cumulative chemotherapy dose, and outcome in YA and pediatric patients.Methods. We reviewed 111 cases of high-grade osteosarcoma at Moffitt Cancer Center between 1988 and 2012. Presentation factors, therapies, and survival were compared between YA and pediatric cohorts.Results. The cohorts were equivalent with respect to metastatic status, gender, tumor size, tumor site, and histological subtype. We found that the YA patients tended to have poorer histologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy measured by necrosis with 55% and 35% of pediatric versus YA patients responding favorably (P=0.06). Only 39% of YA patients achieved the typical pediatric dose of methotrexate, doxorubicin, and cisplatin. These patients had a 3-year EFS of 76% (CI 53–100%) versus 47% (CI 26–69%;P=0.09) in those who received less chemotherapy.Conclusion. Age continues to be a prognostic factor in osteosarcoma. Our study suggests that presentation factors are not associated with prognosis, while poorer response to chemotherapy and lower cumulative dose of chemotherapy delivered to YA patients may contribute to poorer outcomes.
Phenotypical and Genotypical Properties of an Arcanobacterium pluranimalium Strain Isolated from a Juvenile Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata)
Authors: Risse Karin , Schlez Karen , Eisenberg Tobias , Geiger Christina , Balbutskaya Anna , Sammra Osama , Lämmler Christoph , Abdulmawjood Amir
Published: April 2014

The present study was designed to characterize phenotypically and genotypically an Arcanobacterium pluranimalium strain (A. pluranimalium 4868) following necropsy from a juvenile giraffe. The species identity could be confirmed by phenotypical investigations and by MALDI-TOF MS analysis, by sequencing the 16S rDNA, pluranimaliumlysin encoding gene pla, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase encoding gene gap with sequence similarities to A. pluranimalium reference strain DSM 13483T of 99.2%, 89.9%, and 99.1%, respectively. To our knowledge, the present study is the first phenotypic and genotypic characterization of an A. pluranimalium strain isolated from a giraffe.
Deterministic System Identification Using RBF Networks
Authors: de Almeida Rego Joilson Batista , de Medeiros Martins Allan , Costa Evandro de B.
Published: April 2014

This paper presents an artificial intelligence application using a nonconventional mathematical tool: the radial basis function (RBF) networks, aiming to identify the current plant of an induction motor or other nonlinear systems. Here, the objective is to present the RBF response to different nonlinear systems and analyze the obtained results. A RBF network is trained and simulated in order to obtain the dynamical solution with basin of attraction and equilibrium point for known and unknown system and establish a relationship between these dynamical systems and the RBF response. On the basis of several examples, the results indicating the effectiveness of this approach are demonstrated.
Modeling, Control, and Simulation of Battery Storage Photovoltaic-Wave Energy Hybrid Renewable Power Generation Systems for Island Electrification in Malaysia
Authors: Samrat Nahidul Hoque , Ahmad Norhafizan Bin , Choudhury Imtiaz Ahmed , Taha Zahari Bin
Published: April 2014

Today, the whole world faces a great challenge to overcome the environmental problems related to global energy production. Most of the islands throughout the world depend on fossil fuel importation with respect to energy production. Recent development and research on green energy sources can assure sustainable power supply for the islands. But unpredictable nature and high dependency on weather conditions are the main limitations of renewable energy sources. To overcome this drawback, different renewable sources and converters need to be integrated with each other. This paper proposes a standalone hybrid photovoltaic- (PV-) wave energy conversion system with energy storage. In the proposed hybrid system, control of the bidirectional buck-boost DC-DC converter (BBDC) is used to maintain the constant dc-link voltage. It also accumulates the excess hybrid power in the battery bank and supplies this power to the system load during the shortage of hybrid power. A three-phase complex vector control scheme voltage source inverter (VSI) is used to control the load side voltage in terms of the frequency and voltage amplitude. Based on the simulation results obtained from Matlab/Simulink, it has been found that the overall hybrid framework is capable of working under the variable weather and load conditions.
Silver Binding Nucleolar Organizer Regions Dots in Oral Leukoplakia with Epithelial Dysplasia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An In Vivo Study
Authors: Mansoor Samadi Fahad , Thattil Sebastian Bastain , Singh Anil , Chandra Shaleen , Mohammad Shadab , Singh Arun , Halappa Thippeswamy , Samadi Firoza
Published: April 2014

Silver binding nucleolar organizer regions (AgNOR) in normal oral mucosa (NOM), oral leukoplakia with epithelial dysplasia (ED), and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) were studied. The mean AgNOR count per nucleus increased from NOM to ED to OSCC. Tissue showing ED in oral leukoplakia and OSCC cases showed higher counts, wider scatter, and smaller size of AgNOR dots in the nuclei. The study seems to suggest that time method has some potential in distinguishing between NOM and oral leukoplakia with ED and OSCC. Studies of larger numbers are needed to arrive at more substantial conclusions.
An Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Hybrid Control Strategy for a Semiactive Suspension with Magneto Rheological Damper
Authors: Nugroho Pipit Wahyu , Li Weihua , Du Haiping , Alici Gursel , Yang Jian
Published: April 2014

The main function of a vehicle suspension system is to isolate the vehicle body from external excitation in order to improve passenger comfort and road holding and to stabilise its movement. This paper considers the implementation of an adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) with a fuzzy hybrid control technique to control a quarter vehicle suspension system with a semiactive magneto rheological (MR) damper. A quarter car suspension model is set up with an MR damper and a semiactive controller consisting of a fuzzy hybrid skyhook-groundhook controller and an ANFIS model is also designed. The fuzzy hybrid controller is used to generate the desired control force, and the ANFIS is designed to model the inverse dynamics of MR damper in order to obtain a desired current. Finally, numerical simulations of the semiactive suspensions with the ANFIS-hybrid controller, the traditional hybrid controller, and passive suspension are compared. The results of simulations show that the proposed ANFIS-hybrid controller provides better isolation performance than the other controllers.
IDHMutations: Genotype-Phenotype Correlation and Prognostic Impact
Authors: Wang Xiao-Wei , Ciccarino Pietro , Rossetto Marta , Boisselier Blandine , Marie Yannick , Desestret Virginie , Gleize Vincent , Mokhtari Karima , Sanson Marc , Labussière Marianne
Published: April 2014

IDH1/2mutation is the most frequent genomic alteration found in gliomas, affecting 40% of these tumors and is one of the earliest alterations occurring in gliomagenesis. We investigated a series of 1305 gliomas and showed thatIDHmutation is almost constant in 1p19q codeleted tumors. We found that the distribution ofIDH1R132H,IDH1nonR132H, andIDH2mutations differed between astrocytic, mixed, and oligodendroglial tumors, with an overrepresentation ofIDH2mutations in oligodendroglial phenotype and an overrepresentation ofIDH1nonR132Hin astrocytic tumors. We stratified grade II and grade III gliomas according to the codeletion of 1p19q andIDHmutation to define three distinct prognostic subgroups: 1p19q andIDHmutated,IDHmutated—which contains mostlyTP53mutated tumors, and none of these alterations. We confirmed thatIDHmutation with a hazard ratio = 0.358 is an independent prognostic factor of good outcome. These data refine current knowledge onIDHmutation prognostic impact and genotype-phenotype associations.
Fourth-Order Compact Difference Schemes for the Riemann-Liouville and Riesz Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Yuxin , Ding Hengfei , Luo Jincai
Published: April 2014

We propose two new compact difference schemes for numerical approximation of the Riemann-Liouville and Riesz derivatives, respectively. It is shown that these formulas have fourth-order convergence order by means of the Fourier transform method. Finally, some numerical examples are implemented to testify the efficiency of the numerical schemes and confirm the convergence orders.
Rapidly Progressed Primary Intestinal Follicular Lymphoma with Elevation of Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor Levels
Authors: Iwamuro Masaya , Takenaka Ryuta , Mori Atsushi , Fujiki Shigeatsu , Miyake Takayoshi , Asakura Shoji , Okada Hiroyuki , Takata Katsuyoshi , Yoshino Tadashi , Yamamoto Kazuhide
Published: April 2014

A 62-year-old Japanese male was diagnosed with primary intestinal follicular lymphoma involving the duodenum, jejunum, and rectum without lymph node involvement. The patient was classified as low risk by the follicular lymphoma international prognostic index (FLIPI) system. Treatment was deferred because he had no symptoms. Eleven months after the diagnosis, his soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels had risen from 383 to 617 U/mL. Lymphoma progression involving an enlarged perigastric lymph node was also documented. This report illustrates a case of rapidly progressed intestinal follicular lymphoma, suggesting the possible usefulness of sIL-2R levels as an indicator of lymphoma progression.
The Role of Inflammatory and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines in the Pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wojdasiewicz Piotr , Poniatowski Łukasz A. , Szukiewicz Dariusz
Published: April 2014

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic disease of human joints. The basis of pathologic changes involves all the tissues forming the joint; already, at an early stage, it has the nature of inflammation with varying degrees of severity. An analysis of the complex relationships indicates that the processes taking place inside the joint are not merely a set that (seemingly) only includes catabolic effects. Apart from them, anti-inflammatory anabolic processes also occur continually. These phenomena are driven by various mediators, of which the key role is attributed to the interactions within the cytokine network. The most important group controlling the disease seems to be inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, TNFα, IL-6, IL-15, IL-17, and IL-18. The second group with antagonistic effect is formed by cytokines known as anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13. The role of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of OA with respect to inter- and intracellular signaling pathways is still under investigation. This paper summarizes the current state of knowledge. The cytokine network in OA is put in the context of cells involved in this degenerative joint disease. The possibilities for further implementation of new therapeutic strategies in OA are also pointed.
Synthesis and Photophysical and Electrochemical Properties of Functionalized Mono-, Bis-, and Trisanthracenyl Bridged Ru(II) Bis(2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) Charge Transfer Complexes
Authors: Adeloye Adewale O. , Ajibade Peter A.
Published: April 2014

With the aim of developing new molecular devices having long-range electron transfer in artificial systems and as photosensitizers, a series of homoleptic ruthenium(II) bisterpyridine complexes bearing one to three anthracenyl units sandwiched between terpyridine and 2-methyl-2-butenoic acid group are synthesized and characterized. The complexes formulated as bis-4′-(9-monoanthracenyl-10-(2-methyl-2-butenoic acid) terpyridyl) ruthenium(II) bis(hexafluorophosphate) (RBT1), bis-4′-(9-dianthracenyl-10-(2-methyl-2-butenoic acid) terpyridyl) ruthenium(II) bis(hexafluorophosphate) (RBT2), and bis-4′-(9-trianthracenyl-10-(2-methyl-2-butenoic acid) terpyridyl) ruthenium(II) bis(hexafluorophosphate) (RBT3) were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV-Vis, photoluminescence,1H and13C NMR spectroscopy, and electrochemical techniques by elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV-Vis, photoluminescence,1H and13C NMR spectroscopy, and electrochemical techniques. The cyclic voltammograms (CVs) of (RBT1), (RBT2), and (RBT3) display reversible one-electron oxidation processes atE1/2= 1.13 V, 0.71 V, and 0.99 V, respectively (versus Ag/AgCl). Based on a general linear correlation between increase in the length ofπ-conjugation bond and the molar extinction coefficients, the Ru(II) bisterpyridyl complexes show characteristic broad and intense metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) band absorption transitions between 480–600 nm,ε=9.45×103 M−1 cm−1, and appreciable photoluminescence spanning the visible region.
Elbow Dislocation with Complete Triceps Avulsion
Authors: Karuppiah S. V. , Knox D.
Published: April 2014

Radio-ulnar Fracture dislocation of the elbow is a high-energy trauma which can be associated with significant ligamentous injury in adults. We report an unusual triad of injury in a patient with avulsion injury of the triceps. This injury can be thought of as a variant of “terrible triad” with dislocation of radio-ulnar joint, radial head fracture, and medial collateral ligament injury with avulsion of the triceps. Elbow has to be stabilized with early repair of the ligaments for a successful outcome.
A Kind of Unified Proper Efficiency in Vector Optimization
Authors: Zhao Ke Quan , Xia Yuan Mei
Published: April 2014

Based on the ideas of the classical Benson proper efficiency, a new kind of unified proper efficiency namedS-Benson proper efficiency is introduced by using Assumption (B) proposed by Flores-Bazán and Hernández, which unifies some known exact and approximate proper efficiency including(C,ε)-proper efficiency andE-Benson proper efficiency in vector optimization. Furthermore, a characterization ofS-Benson proper efficiency is established via a kind of nonlinear scalarization functions introduced by Göpfert et al.
The Derivation of Structural Properties of LM-g Splines by Necessary Condition of Optimal Control
Authors: Liu Xiongwei , Zhang Xinjian , Cheng Lizhi
Published: April 2014

The structural properties of LM-g splines are investigated by optimization and optimal control theory. The continuity and structure of LM-g splines are derived by using a class of necessary conditions with state constraints of optimal control and the relationship between LM-g interpolating splines and the corresponding L-g interpolating splines. This work provides a new method for further exploration of LM-g interpolating splines and its applications in the optimal control.
Temperature Dependence of Thermoelastic Properties for NaCl Crystal
Authors: Kholiya Kuldeep , Chandra Jeewan
Published: April 2014

Recently developed isothermal Kholiya’s EOS is modified to study the temperature dependent volume expansion and applied for NaCl crystal. The results obtained with the present model are in quite close agreement to the experimental values. The model is therefore extended to study the variation of bulk modulus and the coefficient of volume thermal expansion with temperature. Comparison of the obtained results with the experimental data demonstrates that an isothermal EOS may also be modified to study the temperature dependent elastic properties. The present study also reveals that the quasi harmonic approximation, that is, the product of bulk modulus and the coefficient of volume thermal expansion as constant, is valid in case of NaCl crystal.
Adenosquamous Carcinoma of Vesicovaginal Fistula: A Rare Entity
Authors: Tabali Rudresh , Ramkumar Aravind
Published: April 2014

A 56-year-old lady presented with a vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) along with past history of abdominal hysterectomy. Biopsy of the fistulous tract showed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Patient underwent radical cystourethrectomy, total vaginectomy, and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection along with ileal conduit. The final histopathology report of the resected specimen showed adenosquamous carcinoma in VVF. As this is a rare entity, we are reporting this case.
The Importance of the Ionic Product for Water to Understand the Physiology of the Acid-Base Balance in Humans
Authors: Adeva-Andany María M. , Carneiro-Freire Natalia , Donapetry-García Cristóbal , Rañal-Muíño Eva , López-Pereiro Yosua
Published: April 2014

Human plasma is an aqueous solution that has to abide by chemical rules such as the principle of electrical neutrality and the constancy of the ionic product for water. These rules define the acid-base balance in the human body. According to the electroneutrality principle, plasma has to be electrically neutral and the sum of its cations equals the sum of its anions. In addition, the ionic product for water has to be constant. Therefore, the plasma concentration of hydrogen ions depends on the plasma ionic composition. Variations in the concentration of plasma ions that alter the relative proportion of anions and cations predictably lead to a change in the plasma concentration of hydrogen ions by driving adaptive adjustments in water ionization that allow plasma electroneutrality while maintaining constant the ionic product for water. The accumulation of plasma anions out of proportion of cations induces an electrical imbalance compensated by a fall of hydroxide ions that brings about a rise in hydrogen ions (acidosis). By contrast, the deficiency of chloride relative to sodium generates plasma alkalosis by increasing hydroxide ions. The adjustment of plasma bicarbonate concentration to these changes is an important compensatory mechanism that protects plasma pH from severe deviations.
Algorithm for Image Retrieval Based on Edge Gradient Orientation Statistical Code
Authors: Zeng Jiexian , Zhao Yonggang , Li Weiye , Fu Xiang
Published: April 2014

Image edge gradient direction not only contains important information of the shape, but also has a simple, lower complexity characteristic. Considering that the edge gradient direction histograms and edge direction autocorrelogram do not have the rotation invariance, we put forward the image retrieval algorithm which is based on edge gradient orientation statistical code (hereinafter referred to as EGOSC) by sharing the application of the statistics method in the edge direction of the chain code in eight neighborhoods to the statistics of the edge gradient direction. Firstly, we construct then-direction vector and make maximal summation restriction on EGOSC to make sure this algorithm is invariable for rotation effectively. Then, we use Euclidean distance of edge gradient direction entropy to measure shape similarity, so that this method is not sensitive to scaling, color, and illumination change. The experimental results and the algorithm analysis demonstrate that the algorithm can be used for content-based image retrieval and has good retrieval results.
Damage Detection for Continuous Bridge Based on Static‐Dynamic Condensation and Extended Kalman Filtering
Authors: He Haoxiang , Lv Yongwei , Han Enzhen
Published: April 2014

As an effective and classical method about physical parameter identification, extended Kalman filtering (EKF) algorithm is widely used in structural damage identification, but the equations and solutions for the structure with bending deformation are not established based on EKF. The degrees of freedom about rotation can be eliminated by the static condensation method, and the dynamic condensation method considering Rayleigh damping is proposed in order to establish the equivalent and simplified modal based on complex finite element model such as continuous girder bridge. According to the requirement of bridge inspection and health monitoring, the online and convenient damage detection method based on EKF is presented. The impact excitation can be generated only on one location by one hammer actuator, and the signal in free vibration is analyzed. The deficiency that the complex excitation information is needed based on the traditional method is overcome. As a numerical example, a three‐span continuous girder bridge is simulated, and the corresponding stiffness, the damage location and degree, and the damping parameter are identified accurately. It is verified that the method is suitable for the dynamic signal with high noise‐signal ratio; the convergence speed is fast and this method is feasible for application.
Circulating Fractalkine Levels Predict the Development of the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Xueyao Yin , Saifei Zhang , Dan Yu , Qianqian Pan , Xuehong Dong , Jiaqiang Zhou , Fenping Zheng , Hong Li
Published: April 2014

The fractalkine/CX3CR1 axis plays an important role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. However, the role of fractalkine in metabolic disorders remains to be fully elucidated. We selected 887 Chinese (40–65 years old) at baseline, with a subgroup of 459 participants examined again 2 years later. The relationship of serum fractalkine levels with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components was investigated. At baseline, participants with MetS had higher fractalkine concentrations than their counterparts without MetS (P<0.001). At the 2-year follow-up, participants in the highest quartile of baseline fractalkine exhibited higher values for body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat percentage, glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and lower value for high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) (allP<0.05). Among 390 participants without MetS at baseline, 45 developed it at year 2. Even after multiple adjustments for visceral adipose tissue area, HOMA-IR, C-reactive protein (CRP), or TG and HDL-c, baseline fractalkine predicted the development of MetS (OR = 7.18, 95%CI: 2.28–18.59). In conclusion, circulating fractalkine predicts the development of the MetS independently of central obesity, CRP, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia.
The Novel Formation of Barium Titanate Nanodendrites
Authors: Huang Chien-Jung , Chen Kan-Lin , Chiu Pin-Hsiang , Sze Po-Wen , Wang Yeong-Her
Published: April 2014

The barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles with novel dendrite‐like structures have been successfully fabricated via a simple coprecipitation method, the so‐called BaTiO3 nanodendrites (BTNDs). This method was remarkable, fast, simple, and scalable. The growth solution is prepared by barium chloride (BaCl2), titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4), and oxalic acid. The shape and size of BaTiO3 depend on the amount of added BaCl2 solvent. To investigate the influence of amount of BaCl2 on BTNDs, the amount of BaCl2 was varied in the range from 3 to 6 mL. The role of BaCl2 is found to have remarkable influence on the morphology, crystallite size, and formation of dendrite‐like structures. The thickness and length of the central stem of BTND were ~300 nm and ~20 μm, respectively. The branchings were found to occur at irregular intervals along the main stem. Besides, the formation mechanism of BTND is proposed and discussed.
Expression of the Microtubule-Associated Protein MAP9/ASAP and Its Partners AURKA and PLK1 in Colorectal and Breast Cancers
Authors: Rouquier Sylvie , Pillaire Marie-Jeanne , Cazaux Christophe , Giorgi Dominique
Published: April 2014

Background.Colorectal and breast cancers are among the most common cancers worldwide. They result from a conjugated deficiency of gene maintenance and cell cycle control.Objective. We investigate the expression of the microtubule-associated protein MAP9/ASAP and its two partners AURKA and PLK1 in colorectal tumors as well as in ductal breast cancers.Materials and Methods. 26 colorectal cancer samples and adjacent normal tissues and 77 ductal breast cancer samples from grade I to grade III were collected. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to analyse the expression of MAP9, AURKA, and PLK1.Results. Expression of MAP9 is downregulated in colorectal cancer compared to normal tissues (P>10-3), whereas those of AURKA and PLK1 are upregulated (P>10-4). In ductal breast cancer, we found a grade-dependent increase of AURKA expression (P>10-3), while the variations of expression of MAP9 and PLK1 are not significant (P>0.2).Conclusions. MAP9 downregulation is associated with colorectal malignancy and could be used as a disease marker and a new drug target, while AURKA and PLK1 are upregulated. In ductal breast cancer, AURKA overexpression is strongly associated with the tumor grade and is therefore of prognostic value for the progression of the disease.
Response of Bone Resorption Markers toAristolochia longaIntake by Algerian Breast Cancer Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Benarba Bachir , Meddah Boumedienne , Tir Touil Aicha
Published: April 2014

Aristolochia longais widely used in traditional medicine in Algeria to treat breast cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the response of bone resorption markers toA. longaintake by Algerian breast cancer postmenopausal women. According to theA. longaintake, breast cancer patients were grouped intoA. longagroup (Al)(n=54)and non-A. longagroup (non-Al)(n=24). 32 women constituted the control group. Bone resorption markers (from urine) pyridinoline (PYD) and deoxypyridinoline (DPD) were determined by HPLC. Serum and urinary creatinine, uric acid, and urea were measured. 1 g ofA. longaintake resulted in significant rise of renal serum markers and a pronounced increase of bone resorption markers. The intake ofA. longaroots is detrimental for kidney function and resulted in high bone resorption, maybe due to the reduction in renal function caused by the aristolochic acids contained in the roots.
Evaluation on Potential Contributions of Protease Activated Receptors Related Mediators in Allergic Inflammation
Authors: Zhang Huiyun , Zeng Xiaoning , He Shaoheng
Published: April 2014

Protease activated receptors (PARs) have been recognized as a distinctive four-member family of seven transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that can be cleaved by certain serine proteases. In recent years, there has been considerable interest in the role of PARs in allergic inflammation, the fundamental pathologic changes of allergy, but the potential roles of PARs in allergy remain obscure. Since many of these proteases are produced and actively involved in the pathologic process of inflammation including exudation of plasma components, inflammatory cell infiltration, and tissue damage and repair, PARs appear to make important contribution to allergy. The aim of the present review is to summarize the expression of PARs in inflammatory and structural cells, the influence of agonists or antagonists of PARs on cell behavior, and the involvement of PARs in allergic disorders, which will help us to better understand the roles of serine proteases and PARs in allergy.
Optimal Routing for Heterogeneous Fixed Fleets of Multicompartment Vehicles
Authors: Wang Qian , Ji Qingkai , Chiu Chun-Hung
Published: April 2014

We present a metaheuristic called the reactive guided tabu search (RGTS) to solve the heterogeneous fleet multicompartment vehicle routing problem (MCVRP), where a single vehicle is required for cotransporting multiple customer orders. MCVRP is commonly found in delivery of fashion apparel, petroleum distribution, food distribution, and waste collection. In searching the optimum solution of MCVRP, we need to handle a large amount of local optima in the solution spaces. To overcome this problem, we design three guiding mechanisms in which the search history is used to guide the search. The three mechanisms are experimentally demonstrated to be more efficient than the ones which only apply the known distance information. Armed with the guiding mechanisms and the well‐known reactive mechanism, the RGTS can produce remarkable solutions in a reasonable computation time.
Association between Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases and the Risk of Dementia
Authors: Lu Kang , Wang Hao-Kuang , Yeh Chih-Ching , Huang Chih-Yuan , Sung Pi-Shan , Wang Liang-Chao , Muo Chih-Hsin , Sung Fung-Chang , Chen Han-Jung , Li Ying-Chun , Chang Li-Ching , Tsai Kuen-Jer
Published: April 2014

Aim. Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) are characterized by systemic inflammation and may affect multiple organs and cause vascular events such as ischemic stroke and acute myocardial infarction. However, the association between ARD and increased risk of dementia is uncertain. This is a retrospective cohort study to investigate and compare the risk of dementia between patients clinically diagnosed with ARD and non-ARD patients during a 5-year follow-up period.Methods. Data were obtained from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 (LHID2000). We included 1221 patients receiving ambulatory or hospitalization care and 6105 non-ARD patients; patients were matched by sex, age, and the year of index use of health care. Each patient was studied for 5 years to identify the subsequent manifestation of dementia. The data obtained were analyzed by Cox proportional hazard regression.Results. During the 5-year follow-up period, 30 ARD (2.48%) and 141 non-ARD patients (2.31%) developed dementia. During the 5-year follow-up period, there were no significant differences in the risks of any type of dementia (adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 1.18; 95% CI, 0.79–1.76) in the ARD group after adjusting for demographics and comorbidities.Conclusions. Within the 5-year period, patients with and without ARD were found to have similar risks of developing dementia.
Application of AdS/CFT in Nuclear Physics
Authors: Pahlavani M. R. , Morad R.
Published: April 2014

We review some recent progress in studying the nuclear physics especially nucleon-nucleon (NN) force within the gauge-gravity duality, in context of noncritical string theory. Our main focus is on the holographic QCD model based on the AdS6background. We explain the noncritical holography model and obtain the vector-meson spectrum and pion decay constant. Also, we study the NN interaction in this frame and calculate the nucleonmeson coupling constants. A further topic covered is a toy model for calculating the light nuclei potential. In particular, we calculate the light nuclei binding energies and also excited energies of some available excited states. We compare our results with the results of other nuclear models and also with the experimental data. Moreover, we describe some other issues which are studied using the gauge-gravity duality.
Troubling Toys: Rare-Earth Magnet Ingestion in Children Causing Bowel Perforations
Authors: Mandhan Parkash , Alsalihi Muthana , Mammoo Saleem , Ali Mansour J.
Published: April 2014

Ingestion of foreign bodies in the pediatric population is common and magnet ingestion is known to cause a significant morbidity. Rare-earth magnets are small 3–6 mm diameter spherical powerful magnets that are sold as popular desk toys for adults and were previously found in construction toys in attractive colors for children to play with. We describe 2 young healthy children who ingested rare-earth magnets Buckyballs while playing with these magnetic toys and later presented in emergency with acute abdomen. Abdominal imaging revealed several (26 and 5) pieces of rare-earth magnets in the bowel loops. Emergency surgical exploration revealed multiple gastrointestinal perforations and fistula formation at sites of bowel entrapment in between strong magnets apposed to one another. We highlight the potential dangers of rare-earth magnets in children and suggest increasing public awareness about risks involved in rare-earth magnets ingestion by children to overcome this serious public health issue.
Boundedness of Vector-Valued Intrinsic Square Functions in Morrey Type Spaces
Authors: Wang Hua
Published: April 2014

We will obtain the strong type and weak type estimates for vector-valued analogues of intrinsic square functions in the weighted Morrey spacesLp,κ(w)when1≤p<∞,0<κ<1, and in the generalized Morrey spacesLp,Φfor1≤p<∞, whereΦis a growth function on(0,∞)satisfying the doubling condition.
Current Innovations in Endoscopic Therapy for the Management of Colorectal Cancer: From Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection to Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection
Authors: Fujihara Shintaro , Mori Hirohito , Kobara Hideki , Nishiyama Noriko , Matsunaga Tae , Ayaki Maki , Yachida Tatsuo , Morishita Asahiro , Izuishi Kunihiko , Masaki Tsutomu
Published: April 2014

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is accepted as a minimally invasive treatment for colorectal cancer. However, due to technical difficulties and an increased rate of complications, ESD is not widely used in the colorectum. In some cases, endoscopic treatment alone is insufficient for disease control, and laparoscopic surgery is required. The combination of laparoscopic surgery and endoscopic resection represents a new frontier in cancer treatment. Recent developments in advanced polypectomy and minimally invasive surgical techniques will enable surgeons and endoscopists to challenge current practice in colorectal cancer treatment. Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) of the colon offers the potential to decrease the postoperative morbidity and mortality associated with segmental colectomy while enhancing the diagnostic yield compared to current endoscopic techniques. However, closure is necessary after EFTR and natural transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). Innovative methods and new devices for EFTR and suturing are being developed and may potentially change traditional paradigms to achieve minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer. The present paper aims to discuss the complementary role of ESD and the future development of EFTR. We focus on the possibility of achieving EFTR using the ESD method and closing devices.
Evaluation of Heart Rate Assessment Timing, Communication, Accuracy, and Clinical Decision-Making during High Fidelity Simulation of Neonatal Resuscitation
Authors: Boon Win , McAllister Jennifer , Attar Mohammad A. , Chapman Rachel L. , Mullan Patricia B. , Haftel Hilary M.
Published: April 2014

Objective. Accurate heart rate (HR) determination during neonatal resuscitation (NR) informs subsequent NR actions. This study’s objective was to evaluate HR determination timeliness, communication, and accuracy during high fidelity NR simulations that house officers completed during neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) rotations.Methods. In 2010, house officers in NICU rotations completed high fidelity NR simulation. We reviewed 80 house officers’ videotaped performance on their initial high fidelity simulation session, prior to training and performance debriefing. We calculated the proportion of cases congruent with NR guidelines, using chi square analysis to evaluate performance across HR ranges relevant to NR decision-making: <60, 60–99, and ≥100 beats per minute (bpm).Results. 87% used umbilical cord palpation, 57% initiated HR assessment within 30 seconds, 70% were accurate, and 74% were communicated appropriately. HR determination accuracy varied significantly across HR ranges, with 87%, 57%, and 68% for HR <60, 60–99, and ≥100 bpm, respectively (P<0.001).Conclusions. Timeliness, communication, and accuracy of house officers’ HR determination are suboptimal, particularly for HR 60–100 bpm, which might lead to inappropriate decision-making and NR care. Training implications include emphasizing more accurate HR determination methods, better communication, and improved HR interpretation during NR.
Hypertrichosis Is Not so Prevalent in Becker's Nevus: Analysis of 47 Cases
Authors: Rasi Abbas , Berenji Ardestani Hoda , Tabaie Seyed Mehdi
Published: April 2014

Becker's nevus is a relatively common cutaneous hamartoma, but is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. This nevus usually begins during the second decade of life as a circumscribed, hyperpigmented patch with irregular outline that gradually enlarges with associated hypertrichosis, developing several years later. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of lesional hypertrichosis associated with Becker's nevus. Methods. 47 patients who had sharply demarcated brown patch with or without coarse hair, presence or enlargement of the lesion at the time of puberty, and compatible Wood's light examination were enrolled. Patients who had axillary freckling, previous skin inflammation, and gray pigmentation of the lesions were excluded. Results. In summary, the mean age of onset was 11.89 (range 0–19). The most commonly involved site was the arm (34%), followed by shoulder (23.4%), chest, face, flank, buttock, and leg. Lesional hypertrichosis was found in only 8 (17%) of the 47 patients. In 29 cases (61.7%) the lesions were in the right side of the body. Conclusion. Hypertrichosis was not so frequent among patients with Becker's nevus. There was a higher preponderance of the lesions on the right side.
Immunosuppressive Myeloid Cells Induced by Chemotherapy Attenuate Antitumor CD4+ T-Cell Responses through the PD-1–PD-L1 Axis
Authors: Ding Zhi-Chun , Lu Xiaoyun , Yu Miao , Lemos Henrique , Huang Lei , Chandler Phillip , Liu Kebin , Walters Matthew , Krasinski Antoni , Mack Matthias , Blazar Bruce R. , Mellor Andrew L. , Munn David H. , Zhou Gang
Published: April 2014

In recent years, immune-based therapies have become an increasingly attractive treatment option for patients with cancer. Cancer immunotherapy is often used in combination with conventional chemotherapy for synergistic effects. The alkylating agent cyclophosphamide (CTX) has been included in various chemoimmunotherapy regimens because of its well-known immunostimulatory effects. Paradoxically, cyclophosphamide can also induce suppressor cells that inhibit immune responses. However, the identity and biologic relevance of these suppressor cells are poorly defined. Here we report that cyclophosphamide treatment drives the expansion of inflammatory monocytic myeloid cells (CD11b+Ly6ChiCCR2hi) that possess immunosuppressive activities. In mice with advanced lymphoma, adoptive transfer (AT) of tumor-specific CD4+ T cells following cyclophosphamide treatment (CTX+CD4 AT) provoked a robust initial antitumor immune response, but also resulted in enhanced expansion of monocytic myeloid cells. These therapy-induced monocytes inhibited long-term tumor control and allowed subsequent relapse by mediating functional tolerization of antitumor CD4+ effector cells through the PD-1–PD-L1 axis. PD-1/PD-L1 blockade after CTX+CD4 AT therapy led to persistence of CD4+ effector cells and durable antitumor effects. Depleting proliferative monocytes by administering low-dose gemcitabine effectively prevented tumor recurrence after CTX+CD4 AT therapy. Similarly, targeting inflammatory monocytes by disrupting the CCR2 signaling pathway markedly potentiated the efficacy of cyclophosphamide-based therapy. Besides cyclophosphamide, we found that melphalan and doxorubicin can also induce monocytic myeloid suppressor cells. These findings reveal a counter-regulation mechanism elicited by certain chemotherapeutic agents and highlight the importance of overcoming this barrier to prevent late tumor relapse after chemoimmunotherapy. Cancer Res; 74(13); 3441–53. ©2014 AACR.