bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening for Osteomyelitis Using Thermography in Patients with Diabetic Foot
Authors: Oe Makoto , Yotsu Rie Roselyne , Sanada Hiromi , Nagase Takashi , Tamaki Takeshi
Published: March 2013

One of the most serious complications of diabetic foot (DF) is osteomyelitis, and early detection is important. To assess the validity of thermography to screen for osteomyelitis, we investigated thermographic findings in patients with both DF and osteomyelitis. The subjects were 18 diabetic patients with 20 occurrences of DF who visited a dermatology department at a hospital in Tokyo and underwent evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and thermography between June 2010 and July 2012. Osteomyelitis was identified by MRI. Thermographs were taken of the wounds and legs after bed rest of more than 15 minutes. Two wound management researchers evaluated the range of increased skin temperature. There were three types of distribution of increased skin temperature: the periwound, ankle, and knee patterns. Fisher’s exact test revealed that the ankle pattern was significantly more common in the group with osteomyelitis than in the group without osteomyelitis (P=0.011). The positive predictive value was 100%, and the negative predictive value was 71.4%. Our results suggest that an area of increased skin temperature extending to the ankle can be a sign of osteomyelitis. Thermography might therefore be useful for screening for osteomyelitis in patients with DF.
A Two-Level Model for the Analysis of Syndrome of Acute Ischemic Stroke: From Diagnostic Model to Molecular Mechanism
Authors: Dai Wen , Liu Xi , Zhang Zhichen , Chen Jianxin , Guo Rongjuan , Zheng Hong , Jin Xianglan , Wen Shaoxin , Gao Yibo , Li Tiangang , Lu Peng , Zhang Yunling
Published: April 2013

Prompt and accurate diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke is critical to seek acute therapy. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) science, there is a comprehensive system of diagnosis and medical care of acute ischemic stroke. Here we introduce a two-level model for the analysis of TCM syndrome of acute ischemic stroke. Owing to the limitation of sample size and imbalance, we focused on the analysis of wind-phlegm collateral obstruction syndrome (Feng Tan Yu Zu Zheng). Firstly, a Support-Vector-Machine- (SVM-) based diagnostic model was set up through selection of core symptoms. After pairwise undersampling, we improved the performance of prediction and generated the core symptoms-based diagnostic model of wind-phlegm collateral obstruction syndrome. Next, Pathway Pattern-based method and MetaDrug platform were used to shed light on the molecular basis of the significance of core symptoms in three complementary aspects: symptom-gene-pathway multilayer correlation network, enriched pathways, and most relevant interaction network. The integration of diagnostic model and molecular mechanism analysis creates an interesting perspective for better understanding the syndrome. The two-level model would provide a new opportunity for the study of TCM syndromes.
Nitric Oxide Donors as Neuroprotective Agents after an Ischemic Stroke-Related Inflammatory Reaction
Authors: Godínez-Rubí Marisol , Rojas-Mayorquín Argelia E. , Ortuño-Sahagún Daniel
Published: April 2013

Cerebral ischemia initiates a cascade of detrimental events including glutamate-associated excitotoxicity, intracellular calcium accumulation, formation of Reactive oxygen species (ROS), membrane lipid degradation, and DNA damage, which lead to the disruption of cellular homeostasis and structural damage of ischemic brain tissue. Cerebral ischemia also triggers acute inflammation, which exacerbates primary brain damage. Therefore, reducing oxidative stress (OS) and downregulating the inflammatory response are options that merit consideration as potential therapeutic targets for ischemic stroke. Consequently, agents capable of modulating both elements will constitute promising therapeutic solutions because clinically effective neuroprotectants have not yet been discovered and no specific therapy for stroke is available to date. Because of their ability to modulate both oxidative stress and the inflammatory response, much attention has been focused on the role of nitric oxide donors (NOD) as neuroprotective agents in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Given their short therapeutic window, NOD appears to be appropriate for use during neurosurgical procedures involving transient arterial occlusions, or in very early treatment of acute ischemic stroke, and also possibly as complementary treatment for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson or Alzheimer, where oxidative stress is an important promoter of damage. In the present paper, we focus on the role of NOD as possible neuroprotective therapeutic agents for ischemia/reperfusion treatment.
Antioxidant Functions of Nitric Oxide Synthase in a Methicillin SensitiveStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Vaish Manisha , Singh Vineet K.
Published: April 2013

Nitric oxide and its derivative peroxynitrites are generated by host defense system to control bacterial infection. However certain Gram positive bacteria includingStaphylococcus aureuspossess a gene encoding nitric oxide synthase (SaNOS) in their chromosome. In this study it was determined that under normal growth conditions, expression ofSaNOSwas highest during early exponential phase of the bacterial growth. In oxidative stress studies, deletion ofSaNOSled to increased susceptibility of the mutant cells compared to wild-typeS. aureus. While inhibition ofSaNOSactivity by the addition of L-NAME increased sensitivity of the wild-typeS. aureusto oxidative stress, the addition of a nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside, restored oxidative stress tolerance of theSaNOSmutant. TheSaNOSmutant also showed reduced survival after phagocytosis by PMN cells with respect to wild-typeS. aureus.
Electrophysiological Study of the Antinociception Produced by the Coapplication of (±)-CPP and Propentofylline in Monoarthritic Rats
Authors: Laurido Claudio , Martínez José L. , Morales Francisco
Published: April 2013

The NMDA receptor is central in the generation and maintenance of chronic pain. This receptor has several sites of modulation. One is the glutamate recognition site that can be blocked by (±)-3-(2-carboxypiperazin-yl)propyl-1-phosphoric acid or (±)-CPP. We investigated whether the effect of glial inhibition produced by propentophylline (PPF) can be enhanced when combined with (±)-CPP. We used Sprague-Dawley rats with experimental monoarthritis, administering intrathecally the ED30 for both drugs (3.97 μg of (±)-CPP and 1.42 μg of PPF), since this combination produces an antinociceptive supra-additive effect when used in mechanical nociception (Randall-Selitto test). The combination of (±)-PPF and CPP produced an antinociceptive effect which was greater than that each drug alone as tested by both the C reflex and windup. We conclude that the antinociceptive effect of the combination of (±)-PPF and CPP possibly generates a supra additive interaction type in monoarthritic rats.
Molecular Mechanisms of Large-Conductance Ca2+-Activated Potassium Channel Activation by Ginseng Gintonin
Authors: Choi S. H. , Lee B. H. , Hwang S. H. , Kim H. J. , Lee S. M. , Kim H. C. , Rhim H. W. , Nah S. Y.
Published: April 2013

Gintonin is a unique lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor ligand found inPanax ginseng. Gintonin induces transient [Ca2+]ithrough G protein-coupled LPA receptors. Large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+(BKCa) channels are expressed in blood vessels and neurons and play important roles in blood vessel relaxation and attenuation of neuronal excitability. BKCachannels are activated by transient [Ca2+]iand are regulated by various Ca2+-dependent kinases. We investigated the molecular mechanisms of BKCachannel activation by gintonin. BKCachannels are heterologously expressed inXenopus oocytes. Gintonin treatment induced BKCachannel activation in oocytes expressing the BKCachannelαsubunit in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50= 0.71 ± 0.08 µg/mL). Gintonin-mediated BKCachannel activation was blocked by a PKC inhibitor, calphostin, and by the calmodulin inhibitor, calmidazolium. Site-directed mutations in BKCachannels targeting CaM kinase II or PKC phosphorylation sites but not PKA phosphorylation sites attenuated gintonin action. Mutations in the Ca2+bowl and the regulator of K+conductance (RCK) site also blocked gintonin action. These results indicate that gintonin-mediated BKCachannel activations are achieved through LPA1 receptor-phospholipase C-IP3-Ca2+-PKC-calmodulin-CaM kinase II pathways and calcium binding to the Ca2+bowl and RCK domain. Gintonin could be a novel contributor against blood vessel constriction and over-excitation of neurons.
The Effect of Erythropoietin on Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury after Testicular Torsion/Detorsion: A Randomized Experimental Study
Authors: Rashed Fahimeh Kazemi , Ghasemi Babollah , Deldade Mogaddam Hamid , Mesgari Mehran
Published: March 2013

This study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of erythropoietin (EPO) on ischemia/reperfusion related changes after testicular torsion/detorsion. In a randomized experimental trial 30 male rats were randomly allocated into six equal groups of five rats each. Group I (orchiectomy for histopathologic examination), group II (sham operation), group III (torsion for 2 hours, and ischemia/detorsion for 24 hours, and orchiectomy); group IV (torsion for 2 hours, ischemia/detorsion for 24 hours with erythropoietin injection then orchiectomy), group V (torsion for 2 hours and detorsion and EPO injection and orchiectomy 1 week later, group VI (torsion for 2 hours/detorsion and orchiectomy 1 week later). Two groups (groups 4 and 5) received different protocols of erythropoietin administration after testicular torsion/distortion. other groups were not receiving erythropoietin. Johnsen’s spermatogenesis scoring method and Cosentino’s histologic staging method were used to assess main outcome measures of the study. After the experimentation, Johnsen’s score in EPO Groups was statistically different from the score in some groups not receiving erythropoietin. Cosentino’s score in EPO groups was statistically different from the score in all groups not receiving erythropoietin. Neovascularization, vascular necrosis, vascular congestion, edema, hemorrhage, and acute inflammation were observed in some groups. This study shows short-term protective efficacy of erythropoietin on rat testicular injury after ischemia/reperfusion.
Modeling, Analysis, and Experimental Validation of Frequency Dividers with Direct Injection
Authors: Buonomo Antonio , Lo Schiavo Alessandro
Published: March 2013

An analytical model and a methodology are presented for the analysis of CMOS injection-locked frequency dividers with direct injection, which are used in modern wireless communication systems. The amplitude and phase of the oscillation in the synchronous operation mode, as well as the locking range, are found in explicit form. The width of the locking range is determined by the condition of the existence and stability of synchronous oscillations. The accuracy of the model and of the presented formulas is validated through a comparison with experimental results, which are in good agreement with the analytical ones.
Exploring the Relationship between the Inhibition Selectivity and the Apoptosis of Roscovitine-Treated Cancer Cells
Authors: Cui Chunying , Wang Yaonan , Wang Yuji , Zhao Ming , Peng Shiqi
Published: April 2013

The antitumor activity of roscovitine was tested in four cervical carcinoma cells: C33A, HCE-1, HeLa, and SiHa. The effects of roscovitine on ATP Lite assay, cell cycle, and apoptosis were assessed. The Sub-G1DNA content occurred great increasing, and this indicates that apoptosis was induced quickly in HeLa cells, but slowly in the other cells. The morphological observation results showed that roscovitine induced apoptosis and cell death in the cervical carcinoma cells. Results revealed that roscovitine exhibited selective cytotoxicity towards 4 cervical carcinoma cells, and the cells showed different morphologic and apoptotic changes at the same concentration. It was estimated that cervical carcinoma cells responded differently to roscovitine because of differences in apoptotic and genetic background in different cervical carcinoma cells. This study suggested that roscovitine had the potential to be a chemotherapeutic agent against cervical carcinoma.
Obtaining Glenoid Positioning Data from Scapular Palpable Points In Vitro
Authors: Trafimow Jordan H. , Aruin Alexander S.
Published: April 2013

Both clinical and biomechanical problems affecting the shoulder joint suggest that investigators should study force transmission into and out from the scapula. To analyze force transmission between the humeral head and the glenoid, one must know the position of the glenoid. Studies have analyzed the position of the scapula from the positions of three palpable points, but the position of the glenoid relative to three palpable points has not been studied. Dry scapulae () were subjected to X-rays and a critical angle, (which relates the plane determined by the three palpable points on the scapula to a plane containing the glenoid center and the first two palpable points) was calculated. The mean value for was degrees. The obtained allows us to determine the position of the glenoid from three palpable points. This information could be used in calculation of forces across the shoulder joint, which in turn would allow optimizing the choice of strengthening exercises.
Adipose Tissue Dysfunction in Nascent Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Bremer Andrew A. , Jialal Ishwarlal
Published: April 2013

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) confers an increased risk for both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Moreover, studies on adipose tissue biology in nascent MetS uncomplicated by T2DM and/or CVD are scanty. Recently, we demonstrated that adipose tissue dysregulation and aberrant adipokine secretion contribute towards the syndrome’s low-grade chronic proinflammatory state and insulin resistance. Specifically, we have made the novel observation that subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in subjects with nascent MetS has increased macrophage recruitment with cardinal crown-like structures. We have also shown that subjects with nascent MetS have increased the levels of SAT-secreted adipokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, leptin, RBP-4, CRP, SAA, PAI-1, MCP-1, and chemerin) and plasma adipokines (IL-1, IL-6, leptin, RBP-4, CRP, SAA, and chemerin), as well as decreased levels of plasma adiponectin and both plasma and SAT omentin-1. The majority of these abnormalities persisted following correction for increased adiposity. Our data, as well as data from other investigators, thus, highlight the importance of subcutaneous adipose tissue dysfunction in subjects with MetS and its contribution to the proinflammatory state and insulin resistance. This adipokine profile may contribute to increased insulin resistance and low-grade inflammation, promoting the increased risk of T2DM and CVD.
Primary Health Care: Comparing Public Health Nursing Models in Ireland and Norway
Authors: Clancy Anne , Leahy-Warren Patricia , Day Mary Rose , Mulcahy Helen
Published: March 2013

Health of populations is determined by a multitude of contextual factors. Primary Health Care Reform endeavors to meet the broad health needs of populations and remains on international health agendas. Public health nurses are key professionals in the delivery of primary health care, and it is important for them to learn from global experiences. International collaboration is often facilitated by academic exchanges. As a result of one such exchange, an international PHN collaboration took place. The aim of this paper is to analyse the similarities and differences in public health nursing in Ireland and Norway within the context of primary care.
Inflammation in Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Deobhakta Avnish , Chang Louis K.
Published: April 2013

Retinal vein occlusion is a common, vision-threatening vascular disorder. The role of inflammation in the pathogenesis and clinical consequences of retinal vein occlusion is a topic of growing interest. It has long been recognized that systemic inflammatory disorders, such as autoimmune disease, are a significant risk factor for this condition. A number of more recent laboratory and clinical studies have begun to elucidate the role inflammation may play in the molecular pathways responsible for the vision-impairing consequences of retinal vein occlusion, such as macular edema. This improved understanding of the role of inflammation in retinal vein occlusion has allowed the development of new treatments for the disorder, with additional therapeutic targets and strategies to be identified as our understanding of the topic increases.
Mental Health in Children with Cerebral Palsy: Does Screening Capture the Complexity?
Authors: Bjorgaas H. M. , Elgen I. , Boe T. , Hysing M.
Published: April 2013

Introduction. Children with cerebral palsy (CP), one of the most common childhood neurological disorders, often have associated medical and psychological symptoms. This study assesses mental health problems compared to population controls and the ability of a mental health screening tool to predict psychiatric disorders and to capture the complexity of coexisting symptoms. Methods. Children with CP (N = 47) were assessed according to DSM‐IV criteria using a psychiatric diagnostic instrument (Kiddie‐SADS) and a mental health screening questionnaire (SDQ). Participants from the Bergen Child Study, a large epidemiological study, served as controls. Results. Children with CP had significantly higher means on all problem scores including impact scores. Two in three children scored above 90th percentile cutoff on Total Difficulties Score (TDS), and 57% met criteria for a psychiatric disorder, yielding a sensitivity of 0.85 and a specificity of 0.55. Mental health problems coexisted across symptom scales, and peer problems were highly prevalent in all groups of psychiatric disorders. Conclusion. A high prevalence of mental health problems and cooccurrence of symptoms were found in children with CP compared to controls. Screening with SDQ detects mental health problems, but does not predict specific disorders in children with CP. ADHD is common, but difficult to diagnose due to complexity of symptoms. Mental health services integrated in regular followup of children with CP are recommended due to high prevalence and considerable overlap of mental health symptoms.
Hematological and Genetic Predictors of Daytime Hemoglobin Saturation in Tanzanian Children with and without Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Cox Sharon E. , Makani Julie , Newton Charles R. , Prentice Andrew M. , Kirkham Fenella J.
Published: April 2013

Low hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2) is common in Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) and associated with complications including stroke, although determinants remain unknown. We investigated potential hematological, genetic, and nutritional predictors of daytime SpO2 in Tanzanian children with SCA and compared them with non-SCA controls. Steady-state resting pulse oximetry, full blood count, transferrin saturation, and clinical chemistry were measured. Median daytime SpO2 was 97% (IQ range 94–99%) in SCA (N = 458), lower () than non-SCA (median 99%, IQ range 98–100%; N = 394). Within SCA, associations with SpO2 were observed for hematological variables, transferrin saturation, body-mass-index z-score, hemoglobin F (HbF%), genotypes, and hemolytic markers; mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) explained most variability (, Adj ). In non-SCA only age correlated with SpO2. -thalassemia 3.7 deletion highly correlated with decreased MCH (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.60, ). In multivariable models, lower SpO2 correlated with higher MCH (-coefficient 0.32, ) or with decreased copies of -thalassemia 3.7 deletion (-coefficient 1.1, ), and independently in both models with lower HbF% (-coefficient 0.15, ) and Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase genotype (-coefficient 1.12, ). This study provides evidence to support the hypothesis that effects on red cell rheology are important in determining SpO2 in children with SCA. Potential mechanisms and implications are discussed.
Development of Fuzzy Logic Forecast Models for Location-Based Parking Finding Services
Authors: Chen Zhirong , Xia Jianhong (Cecilia) , Irawan Buntoro
Published: March 2013

Park-and-ride (PnR) facilities provided by Australian transport authorities have been an effective way to encourage car drivers to use public transport such as trains and buses. However, as populations grow and vehicle running costs increase, the demand for more parking spaces has escalated. Often, PnR facilities are filled to capacity by early morning and commuters resort to parking illegally in streets surrounding stations. This paper reports on the development of a location-based parking finding service for PnR users. Based on their current location, the system can inform users which is the best station to park their cars during peak period. Two criteria—parking availability and the shortest travel time—were used to evaluate the best station. Fuzzy logic forecast models were used to estimate the uncertainty of parking availability during the peak parking demand period. A prototype using these methods has been developed based on a case study of the Oats Street and Carlisle PnR facilities in Perth, Western Australia. The system has proved to be efficacious and has the potential to be applied to other parking systems.
Entropy Solutions for Nonlinear Elliptic Anisotropic Homogeneous Neumann Problem
Authors: Bonzi B. K. , Ouaro S. , Zongo F. D. Y.
Published: April 2013

We prove the existence and uniqueness of entropy solution for nonlinear anisotropic elliptic equations with Neumann homogeneous boundary value condition for -data. We prove first, by using minimization techniques, the existence and uniqueness of weak solution when the data is bounded, and by approximation methods, we prove a result of existence and uniqueness of entropy solution.
Hepatic Manifestations in Hematological Disorders
Authors: Murakami Jun , Shimizu Yukihiro
Published: March 2013

Liver involvement is often observed in several hematological disorders, resulting in abnormal liver function tests, abnormalities in liver imaging studies, or clinical symptoms presenting with hepatic manifestations. In hemolytic anemia, jaundice and hepatosplenomegaly are often seen mimicking liver diseases. In hematologic malignancies, malignant cells often infiltrate the liver and may demonstrate abnormal liver function test results accompanied by hepatosplenomegaly or formation of multiple nodules in the liver and/or spleen. These cases may further evolve into fulminant hepatic failure.
A Fault-Tolerant Method for Enhancing Reliability of Services Composition Application in WSNs Based on BPEL
Authors: Wu Zhao , Xiong NaiXue , Han Wenlin , Huang Yan N. , Hu Chun Y. , Gu Qiong , Hang Bo
Published: March 2013

In recent years, some approaches have been presented for the seamless integration of WSNs with the existing, widely deployed SOA technologies such as XML, Web services, and the Business Process Execution Language (BPEL) to build a wireless sensor networks service application. However, there a great challenge on fault tolerant in WSNs. In this paper, we present our framework and approach to enhance the reliability of service composition applications in WSNs through modeling and analyzing a wireless sensor networks service application based on BPEL with exception handler and compensation mechanism. At first, we analyze all possible states during the execution of BPEL instance in WSNs. Then, we present a state framework for modeling execution context in BPEL instance in WSNs. Based on this framework, we analyze state transition and operational semantics in the case of both correct execution and exceptional execution of BPEL instance in WSNs. Furthermore, we propose the state transition models for three types of activities in BPEL instance. In the end, we present a formal approach to model the execution context in BPEL for WSNs. Using this formal model, one can describe and analyze the control flow result from the exception handler and compensation mechanism in BPEL instance for WSNs.
Faber Polynomial Coefficient Estimates for Meromorphic Bi-Starlike Functions
Authors: Hamidi Samaneh G. , Abd Halim Suzeini , Jahangiri Jay M.
Published: March 2013

We consider meromorphic starlike univalent functions that are also bi-starlike and find Faber polynomial coefficient estimates for these types of functions. A function is said to be bi-starlike if both the function and its inverse are starlike univalent.
Control of Discrete-Time Singularly Perturbed Systems via Static Output Feedback
Authors: Liu Dan , Liu Lei , Yang Ying
Published: March 2013

This paper concentrates on control problems of discrete-time singularly perturbed systems via static output feedback. Two methods of designing an controller, which ensures that the resulting closed-loop system is asymptotically stable and meets a prescribed norm bound, are presented in terms of LMIs. Though based on the same matrix transformation, the two approaches are turned into different optimal problems. The first result is given by an -independent LMI, while the second result is related to . Furthermore, a stability upper bound of the singular perturbation parameter is obtained. The validity of the proposed two results is demonstrated by a numerical example.
Gravitational Fields of Conical Mass Distributions
Authors: Ndikilar Chifu Ebenezer
Published: April 2013

The gravitational field of conical mass distributions is formulated using the general theory of relativity. The gravitational metric tensor is constructed and applied to the motion of test particles and photons in this gravitational field. The expression for gravitational time dilation is found to have the same form as that in spherical, oblate spheroidal, and prolate spheroidal gravitational fields and hence confirms an earlier assertion that this gravitational phenomena is invariant in form with various mass distributions. It is shown using the pure radial equation of motion that as a test particle moves closer to the conical mass distribution along the radial direction, its radial speed decreases.
Mantle Cell Lymphoma and Involvement of the Orbit and Ocular Adnexa
Authors: Vali Khojeini Elham , Durham Benjamin H. , Chen Mingyi
Published: April 2013

Orbital and ocular adnexal lymphomas are rare and represent around 1-2% of lymphomas and about 8% of the extranodal lymphomas. However, these entities represent the majority of orbital malignancies. Lymphomas of the ocular adnexal region are primary or secondary lymphomas, and the majority of them are composed of small, mature lymphocytes, which provide a large differential diagnosis. Thus, these entities are not easily distinguished from indolent lymphoid processes such as reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma is the most common lymphoma in the ocular adnexal region. However, this entity cannot be distinguished from benign lymphoid proliferations or other lymphomas composed of small, mature lymphocytes by routine histopathology. We describe a 78-year-old man who presents with bilateral upper eyelid masses, which had been present and grew in size over the past twelve months prior to his presentation. A biopsy of the mass shows a monotonous population of small, mature lymphocytes. The immunohistochemical studies performed on the eyelid mass confirmed a monoclonal proliferation of B cells expressing cyclin-D1; therefore, a final diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma was rendered. A literature review of mantle cell lymphoma with orbital and ocular adnexal involvement and the diagnostic pitfalls in this area of hematopathology are discussed.
Circular Orbit Target Capture Using Space Tether-Net System
Authors: Zhai Guang , Zhang Jing-rui , Yao Zhang
Published: March 2013

The space tether-net system for on-orbit capture is proposed in this paper. In order to research the dynamic behaviors during system deployment, both free and nonfree deployment dynamics in circular orbit are developed; the system motion with respect to Local Vertical and Local Horizontal frame is also researched with analysis and simulation. The results show that in the case of free deployment, the capture net follows curve trajectories due to the relative orbit dynamic perturbation, and the initial deployment velocities are planned by state transformation equations for static and floating target captures; in the case of non-free deployment, the system undergoes an altitude libration along the Local Vertical, and the analytical solutions that describe the attitude libration are obtained by using variable separation and integration. Finally, the dynamics of postdeployment system is also proved marginally stable if the critical initial conditions are satisfied.
B3: Fuzzy-Based Data Center Load Optimization in Cloud Computing
Authors: Jaiganesh M. , Antony Kumar A. Vincent
Published: March 2013

Cloud computing started a new era in getting variety of information puddles through various internet connections by any connective devices. It provides pay and use method for grasping the services by the clients. Data center is a sophisticated high definition server, which runs applications virtually in cloud computing. It moves the application, services, and data to a large data center. Data center provides more service level, which covers maximum of users. In order to find the overall load efficiency, the utilization service in data center is a definite task. Hence, we propose a novel method to find the efficiency of the data center in cloud computing. The goal is to optimize date center utilization in terms of three big factors—Bandwidth, Memory, and Central Processing Unit (CPU) cycle. We constructed a fuzzy expert system model to obtain maximum Data Center Load Efficiency (DCLE) in cloud computing environments. The advantage of the proposed system lies in DCLE computing. While computing, it allows regular evaluation of services to any number of clients. This approach indicates that the current cloud needs an order of magnitude in data center management to be used in next generation computing.
Atypical Presentation of Thoracic Disc Herniation: Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Shirzadi Ali , Drazin Doniel , Jeswani Sunil , Lovely Leah , Liu John
Published: April 2013

Modern imaging has revealed that thoracic disc herniation (TDH) has a prevalence of 11–37% in asymptomatic patients. Pain, sensory disturbances, myelopathy, and lower extremity weakness are the most common presenting symptoms, but other atypical extraspinal complaints, such as gastrointestinal or cardiopulmonary discomfort, may be reported. Our objective is to make providers familiar with TDH’s atypical symptoms to help avoid potential serious consequences created by a delay in diagnosis. We report the cases of two patients who each presented with atypical extraspinal symptoms secondary to a TDH. One patient presented with a chronic history of nausea, emesis, and chest tightness and MRI showed a large right paramedian disc herniation at T7-8. A second patient reported chronic constipation, buttock and leg burning pain, gait instability, and urinary frequency; an MRI of his thoracic spine demonstrated a central disc herniation at T10-11. TDH can present with vague extraspinal symptoms and unfamiliarity with these symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis with progression of the disease and unnecessary diagnostic tests and medical procedures. Therefore, TDH should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with negative gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and cardiopulmonary system basic studies.
Pharmacodynamic Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Monitored Focused Ultrasound-Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Opening for Drug Delivery to Brain Tumors
Authors: Chu Po-Chun , Chai Wen-Yen , Hsieh Han-Yi , Wang Jiun-Jie , Wey Shiaw-Pyng , Huang Chiung-Yin , Wei Kuo-Chen , Liu Hao-Li
Published: March 2013

Microbubble-enhanced focused ultrasound (FUS) can enhance the delivery of therapeutic agents into the brain for brain tumor treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of brain tumor conditions on the distribution and dynamics of small molecule leakage into targeted regions of the brain after FUS-BBB opening. A total of 34 animals were used, and the process was monitored by 7T-MRI. Evans blue (EB) dye as well as Gd-DTPA served as small molecule substitutes for evaluation of drug behavior. EB was quantified spectrophotometrically. Spin-spin (R1) relaxometry and area under curve (AUC) were measured by MRI to quantify Gd-DTPA. We found that FUS-BBB opening provided a more significant increase in permeability with small tumors. In contrast, accumulation was much higher in large tumors, independent of FUS. The AUC values of Gd-DTPA were well correlated with EB delivery, suggesting that Gd-DTPA was a good indicator of total small-molecule accumulation in the target region. The peripheral regions of large tumors exhibited similar dynamics of small-molecule leakage after FUS-BBB opening as small tumors, suggesting that FUS-BBB opening may have the most significant permeability-enhancing effect on tumor peripheral. This study provides useful information toward designing an optimized FUS-BBB opening strategy to deliver small-molecule therapeutic agents into brain tumors.
Optimal Product Quality of Supply Chain Based on Information Traceability in Fashion and Textiles Industry: An Adverse Logistics Perspective
Authors: Cheng Zhaolin , Xiao Jinghua , Xie Kang , Huang Xiaoli
Published: March 2013

This paper investigates and compares two quality control methods, that is, inspection control and traceability control, to optimize supply chain quality in fashion and textiles industry. The objective is to maximize the supply chain participants’ expected profits and to achieve a Pareto improvement of supply chain product quality. Withqualityas a controllable variable indicating the level of opportunistic behavior, thereturnis interpreted as a function ofquality: the higher the quality, the lower the return. Taking into account bothqualityandinventory quantity, we propose and compare the optimal decision-making models for three control methods of supply chain, respectively: decentralized (no control), inspection, and traceability. Further, we use a numerical example to illustrate the relationships amongquality,profits,andquality-control costcoefficients (i.e., inspection-related cost and traceability-related cost). We then analyze and discuss the differences in the applications and scopes of the two control methods. On the one hand, given the poor standardization of fashion and textiles industry in the current practice (especially in China market), the cost of sampling inspection is relatively lower as compared to that of the traceability control method. On the other hand, with the improved industrial standardization and technology, traceability control tends to gain increasing advantages in cost and popularity.
Diagnosing Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in a Patient with a Suspected Status Epilepticus in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: van der Horn Harm J. , Egbers Peter H. , Kuiper Michaël A. , Schuiling Wouter J.
Published: April 2013

Objective. Several tests are available in the diagnostics of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD); however, none of these is conclusive. We review the values of these tests, from an intensive care unit (ICU) perspective.Methods. Case report and review of the literature.Results. A 53-year-old woman initially presenting with psychiatric symptoms developed myoclonus and was admitted 1 month later to the ICU with a suspected nonconvulsive status epilepticus and respiratory insufficiency, probably due to extensive antiepileptic drug therapy. Typical MRI and EEG findings and a positive 14-3-3 protein led to the diagnosis of sCJD. All treatments were terminated, and autopsy confirmed sCJD.Conclusions. Clinical signs combined with MRI, EEG, and 14-3-3 and/or tau protein determination might be sufficient to diagnose or exclude sCJD and may therefore prevent the application of unnecessary diagnostic tests.
Pricing and Lot Sizing for Seasonal Products in Price Sensitive Environment
Authors: Panda S. , Saha S.
Published: April 2013

Some seasonal products have limited sales season, and the demand of such products over the sales season is of increasing-steady-decreasing type. Customers are highly sensitive to the prices of the products. In such situation, adjustment of unit selling price is needed to accelerate inventory depletion rate and for determining order quantity for the sales season. In this paper, we focus on the issue by jointly determining optimal unit selling prices and optimal lot size over the sales season. Unlike the conventional inventory models with pricing strategy, which were restricted to prespecified pricing cycle lengths, that is, fixed number of price changes over the time horizon, we allow the number of price changes to be a decision variable. The mathematical model is developed and existence of optimal solution is verified. A solution procedure is developed to determine optimal prices, optimal number of pricing cycles, and optimal lot size. The model is illustrated by a numerical example. Sensitivity analysis of the model is also carried out.
Sarcomatoid Carcinoma of the Prostate
Authors: Açıkgöz Onur , Gazel Eymen , Zengin Neslihan İnci , Kasap Yusuf , Çamtosun Ahmet , Yazıcıoğlu Ahmet Hamdi
Published: April 2013

Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the prostate is among the rarest malignant neoplasm types and has been well known for its aggressive clinical course. Patient was admitted with the symptoms of lower urinary tract. Transurethral resection of prostate (TUR-P) was carried out. Revealing Gleason 5 + 3 = 8 prostate adenocarcinoma in TUR-P material. Thereby, a Radical Prostatectomy procedure was planned. In operation, frozen examination revealed adenocarcinoma metastasis to the obturator lymph node. The operation was terminated. In the postoperative 3rd month, the patient was re-admitted with acute urinary system symptoms. A cystoscopy performed and complete resection of the mass was performed. The pathological examination reported that the tumor was compatible with undifferentiated adenocarcinoma owing to presence of poorly differentiated tumoral cells and detection of adenocarcinoma in a relatively small (1%) focus. 4 month after the operation, the patient underwent another cyctoscopic examination which revealed the prostatic lounge and most of the bladder lumen to be filled with tumoral tissue. The tumoral tissues was resected incompletely. This material was diagnosed to be “Sarcomatoid Malignant Tumor” upon the new evidences of progressive dedifferentiation and predominant sarcomatoid appearance, compared with the former TUR-P materials. Subsequent PET-CT scan depicted multiple metastasis. The patient was referred to oncology department. In conclusion, sarcomatoid carcinoma is a malignant variant that brings along diagnostic and treatment difficulties.
Rainfall Reliability Evaluation for Stability of Municipal Solid Waste Landfills on Slope
Authors: Huang Fu-Kuo , Wang Grace S. , Tsai Yueh-Lin
Published: April 2013

A method to assess the reliability for the stability of municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills on slope due to rainfall infiltration is proposed. Parameter studies are first done to explore the influence of factors on the stability of MSW. These factors include rainfall intensity, duration, pattern, and the engineering properties of MSW. Then 100 different combinations of parameters are generated and associated stability analyses of MSW on slope are performed assuming that each parameter is uniform distributed around its reason ranges. In the following, the performance of the stability of MSW is interpreted by the artificial neural network (ANN) trained and verified based on the aforementioned 100 analysis results. The reliability for the stability of MSW landfills on slope is then evaluated and explored for different rainfall parameters by the ANN model with first-order reliability method (FORM) and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS).
DTI Measurements in Multiple Sclerosis: Evaluation of Brain Damage and Clinical Implications
Authors: Sbardella Emilia , Tona Francesca , Petsas Nikolaos , Pantano Patrizia
Published: March 2013

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an effective means of quantifying parameters of demyelination and axonal loss. The application of DTI in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has yielded noteworthy results. DTI abnormalities, which are already detectable in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), become more pronounced as disease duration and neurological impairment increase. The assessment of the microstructural alterations of white and grey matter in MS may shed light on mechanisms responsible for irreversible disability accumulation. In this paper, we examine the DTI analysis methods, the results obtained in the various tissues of the central nervous system, and correlations with clinical features and other MRI parameters. The adoption of DTI metrics to assess the outcome of prognostic measures may represent an extremely important step forward in the MS research field.
Pathogenic Role of Iron Deposition in Reticuloendothelial Cells during the Development of Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Mitsuyoshi Hironori , Yasui Kohichiroh , Yamaguchi Kanji , Minami Masahito , Okanoue Takeshi , Itoh Yoshito
Published: April 2013

Aim. Chronic hepatitis C (CHepC) is frequently associated with hepatic iron overload, yet mechanisms underlying iron-induced liver injury have not been elucidated. We examined the significance of iron deposition in hepatocytes (HC) and reticuloendothelial cells (REC) in CHepC.Methods. Stainable hepatic iron was scored according to the iron deposition pattern in 373 patients. The levels of serum soluble TNF-αreceptor (sTNFR2) and hepatic hepcidin mRNA and the efficacy of phlebotomy were compared among patients with different iron deposition patterns.Results. Serum transaminase levels and hepatic scores of stage, grade, and steatosis were higher in patients with REC iron staining than in those without. REC iron scores were independently associated with advanced stage. Serum sTNFR2 levels were significantly higher in patients with REC iron than in those without. REC iron scores were independently correlated with sTNFR2 levels. Compared with patients without stainable iron, those with iron overload had decreased ratios of hepcidin mRNA to serum ferritin. The efficacy of phlebotomy was greater in patients with REC iron than in those without REC iron.Conclusions. The present results show the importance of REC iron for the development of CHepC and the therapeutic effect of phlebotomy in CHepC.
Long-Lived Heavy Quarks: A Review
Authors: Buchkremer Mathieu , Schmidt Alexander
Published: April 2013

We review the theoretical and experimental situation for long-lived heavy quarks, or bound states thereof, arising in simple extensions of the Standard Model. If these particles propagate large distances before their decay, they give rise to specific signatures requiring dedicated analysis methods. In particular, vector-like quarks with negligible couplings to the three known families could have eluded the past experimental searches. While most analyses assume prompt decays at the production vertex, novel heavy quarks might lead to signatures involving displaced vertices, new hadronic bound states, or decays happening outside of the detector acceptance. We perform reinterpretations of existing searches for short- and long-lived particles, and give suggestions on how to extend their reach to long-lived heavy quarks.
Nephron-Sparing Surgery for Renal Masses Measuring Larger Than 7 cm on Preoperative Imaging: A Single Surgeon, Single Center Experience
Authors: Esen Tarık , Acar Ömer , Musaoğlu Ahmet , Vural Metin , Akpek Sergin
Published: April 2013

Objectives. To document the feasibility of nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) for the surgical treatment of renal masses measuring larger than 7 cm (cT2) on preoperative imaging. Methods. A total of 139 patients have undergone NSS between 2001 and 2012 by a single surgeon in our clinic. Of these, we identified 17 patients whose tumors were measuring greater than 7 cm on preoperative imaging studies and were limited to the kidney. Their charts were retrospectively reviewed. Results. Mean age of the study population was 49.8±11.3 years. Thirteen patients were managed by open NSS, while 4 patients have undergone robot-assisted NSS. Mean diameter and mean R.E.N.A.L. score of the tumors that were enucleoresected were 8.2 cm and 8.5, respectively. A total of 5 Clavien grade 2 and higher complications were recorded within 30 days of surgery. Histopathologic examination revealed benign histology in almost 1/4 of the cases. After a median followup of 33 months, all of our patients were alive. Only one patient (5.8%) experienced local recurrence. Conclusions. NSS is a feasible and safe option for large (>7 cm) renal masses. It may be considered not only for imperative conditions but also for highly selected cases with a normal contralateral kidney.
Improved Surface Wettability of Water by Applying SiC/Ti6Al4V Coatings on Carbon/Carbon Composites
Authors: Zhang Lei-Lei , Li He-Jun , Li Ke-Zhi , Zhang Yu-Lei , Lu Jin-Hua , Cao Sheng , Zhao Xue-Ni , He Zi-Bo
Published: March 2013

SiC/Ti6Al4V coatings were applied on carbon/carbon composites to improve the surface wettability of water. SiC interlayers were preprepared by pack cementation to bond both the carbon/carbon composites and the Ti6Al4V, and then the Ti6Al4V coatings were applied by magnetron sputtering technique. The morphology and crystalline of the SiC/Ti6Al4V coatings were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The surface wettability of the coatings was tested by video-based contact angle measuring device. The results showed that SiC can serve as an interlayer between the carbon/carbon composites and Ti6Al4V. The SiC/Ti6Al4V coatings covered the carbon/carbon composites uniformly with spherical morphology. The coatings improved the surface wettability of carbon/carbon composites with the contact angle of water decreasing from 85.7 ± 4.1° to 26.5 ± 0.1°.
Functions of Boundedκφ-Variation in the Sense of Riesz-Korenblum
Authors: Castillo Mariela , Rivas Sergio , Sanoja María , Zea Iván
Published: March 2013

We present the space of functions of boundedκφ-variation in the sense of Riesz-Korenblum, denoted byκBVφ[a,b], which is a combination of the notions of boundedφ-variation in the sense of Riesz and boundedκ-variation in the sense of Korenblum. Moreover, we prove that the space generated by this class of functions is a Banach space with a given norm and we prove that the uniformly bounded composition operator satisfies Matkowski's weak condition.
Optimal Investment with Multiple Risky Assets for an Insurer in an Incomplete Market
Authors: Zhao Hui , Rong Ximin , Cao Jiling
Published: March 2013

This paper studies the optimal investment problem for an insurer in an incomplete market. The insurer's risk process is modeled by a Lévy process and the insurer is supposed to have the option of investing in multiple risky assets whose price processes are described by the standard Black-Scholes model. The insurer aims to maximize the expected utility of terminal wealth. After the market is completed, we obtain the optimal strategies for quadratic utility and constant absolute risk aversion (CARA) utility explicitly via the martingale approach. Finally, computational results are presented for given raw market data.
The Respective Effects of Being Observed and Sanctioned in Modified Dictator and Ultimatum Games
Authors: Festré Agnès , Garrouste Pierre
Published: April 2013

We experiment within a laboratory the respective effects of being observed and sanctioned in both a dictator and an ultimatum game. We obtain the classical results that individuals do not play the subgame perfect equilibria. We also show that being observed increases the offers made by the proposer in the dictator game but this effect is difficult to identify in the ultimatum game. We also find that in the dictator game, the more the individuals are sensitive to observation the less they are to sanction.