bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributed Wireless Networked H∞ Control for a Class of Lurie‐Type Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Ren Wen , Xu Bugong
Published: May 2014

A new approach to solving the distributed control problem for a class of discrete‐time nonlinear systems via a wireless neural control network (WNCN) is presented in this paper. A unified Lurie‐type model termed delayed standard neural network model (DSNNM) is used to describe these nonlinear systems. We assume that all neuron nodes in WNCN which have limited energy, storage space, and computing ability can be regarded as a subcontroller, then the whole WNCN is characterized by a mesh‐like structure with partially connected neurons distributed over a wide geographical area, which can be considered as a fully distributed nonlinear output feedback dynamic controller. The unreliable wireless communication links within WNCN are modeled by fading channels. Based on the Lyapunov functional and the S‐procedure, the WNCN is solved and configured for the DSNNM to absolutely stabilize the whole closed‐loop system in the sense of mean square
with a H∞ disturbance attenuation index using LMI approach. A numerical example shows the effectiveness of the proposed design approaches.
Treatment Outcome of Tuberculosis Patients at Enfraz Health Center, Northwest Ethiopia: A Five-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Endris Mengistu , Moges Feleke , Belyhun Yeshambel , Woldehana Eleni , Esmael Ahmed , Unakal Chandrashekhar
Published: May 2014

Objectives.The aim of this study was to assess treatment outcome and associated risk factors among TB patients registered for anti-TB treatment at Enfraz health center, northwest Ethiopia.Methods. A five-year retrospective data (2007–2011) of tuberculosis patients (n=417) registered for anti-TB treatment at Enfraz health center, northwest Ethiopia, were reviewed. Tuberculosis outcomes were following the WHO guidelines. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20.Results. Among 417 study participants, 95 (22.8%), 141 (33.8%), and 181 (43.4%) were smear-positive, smear-negative, and extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients, respectively. Of the 417 study participants, 206 (49.4%) were tested for HIV. The TB-HIV coinfection was 24/206 (11.7%). Seventeen study participants (4.2%) were transferred to other health facilities. Among the 400 study participants, 379 (94.8%) had successful treatment outcome (302 treatment completed and 77 cured). The overall death, default, and failure rates were 3.4%, 0.5%, and 1.2%, respectively. There was no significant association between sex, age, residence, type of TB, HIV status, and successful TB treatment outcome.Conclusion. Treatment outcome of patients who attended their anti-TB treatment at Enfraz health center was successful. Therefore, this treatment success rate should be maintained and strengthened to achieve the millennium development goal.
Sources, Effects, and Modelling of Interharmonics
Authors: Lin Hsiung-Cheng
Published: May 2014

Recently, the increasing use of power electronic systems and time‐variant nonlinear loads has brought number of power harmonics/interharmonics, and the power supply quality is therefore seriously threatened. The presence of interharmonics strongly poses more difficulties in modelling and measuring the distorted waveforms. Therefore, this paper reviews the sources, effects, and modelling of interharmonics. It provides a variety of crucial phenomena caused by interharmonics. More importantly, it also gives a possible solution for engineers/researchers to use appropriate tools to measure interharmonics. Some methods with implementation results are introduced and discussed for details.
Extracts from Curcuma zedoaria Inhibit Proliferation of Human Breast Cancer Cell MDA‐MB‐231 In Vitro
Authors: Gao Xiu-fei , Li Qing-lin , Li Hai-long , Zhang Hong-yan , Su Jian-ying , Wang Bei , Liu Pei , Zhang Ai-qin
Published: May 2014

Objective. To evaluate the effect of petroleum ether extracts of Curcuma zedoaria on the proliferation of human triple negative breast cancer cell line MDA‐MB‐231. Methods. The reagents were isolated from Curcuma zedoaria by petroleum ether fraction. It was assayed by CCK8 for MDA‐MB‐231 cellular viability with various concentrations and days, cell cycle analyses, Western Blot analysis, and Realtime Reverse Transcriptase PCR analyses for chemokines molecules including E‐cadherin, and E‐selectin, and adhesion molecules including CCR7, SLC, SDF‐1, and CXCR4. Epirubicin was used as control in the study. Results. MDA‐MB‐231 cells were inhibited by petroleum ether extracts of Curcuma zedoaria (P  <  0.05), and the inhibition rate was dependent on concentrations and time. Petroleum ether extracts of Curcuma zedoaria as well as Epirubicin produce a significant G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. The level of expression of proteins E‐cadherin and E‐cadherin mRNA was significantly increased, while proteins SDF‐1, CCR7, and CXCR4 mRNA were decreased after being incubated with petroleum ether extracts of Curcuma zedoaria at the concentrations of 300 μg/mL than control (P  <  0.05). The differences were that the protein CXCR4 mRNA expression level was higher than vehicle. Conclusions. MDA‐MB‐231 cells were inhibited by petroleum ether extracts of Curcuma zedoaria.
Study of Silver Nanoparticles Sensitized Fluorescence and Second-Order Scattering of Terbium(III)-Pefloxacin Mesylate Complex and Determination of Pefloxacin Mesylate
Authors: Li Aiyun , Song Zhiqiang
Published: May 2014

α-Keto acid of pefloxacin mesylate (PFLX) can form the complex with Terbium(III). The intramolecular energy from PFLX to Terbium(III) ion takes place when excited, and thus Terbium(III) excited state is formed and then emits the characteristic fluorescence of Terbium(III), locating at 490, 545, 580, and 620 nm. The second-order scattering (SOS) peak at 545 nm also appears for the complex with the exciting wavelength of 273 nm. When the silver nanoparticles are added to the system, the luminescence intensity at 545 nm greatly increased. So, with the adding of nanoparticles to the Terbium(III)-PFLX complex, not only is the intramolecular energy promoted but also the SOS intensity is enhanced. The experimental results show that it is the silver nanoparticles with certain size and certain concentration which can greatly enhance the fluorescence-SOS intensity, and the relative intensity at 545 nm is proportional to the amount of PFLX. Based on this phenomenon, a novel method for the determination of PFLX has been developed and applied to the determination of PFLX in capsule and serum samples.
Nrf2 Deficiency Exaggerates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity and Cardiac Dysfunction
Authors: Li Siying , Wang Wenjuan , Niu Ting , Wang Hui , Li Bin , Shao Lei , Lai Yimu , Li Huanjie , Janicki Joseph S. , Wang Xing Li , Tang Dongqi , Cui Taixing
Published: May 2014

The anticancer therapy of doxorubicin (Dox) has been limited by its acute and chronic cardiotoxicity. In addition to a causative role of oxidative stress, autophagy appears to play an important role in the regulation of Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Accordingly, we explored a role of nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) in Dox-induced cardiomyopathy with a focus on myocardial oxidative stress and autophagic activity. In wild type (WT) mice, a single intraperitoneal injection of 25 mg/kg Dox rapidly induced cardiomyocyte necrosis and cardiac dysfunction, which were associated with oxidative stress, impaired autophagy, and accumulated polyubiquitinated protein aggregates. However, these Dox-induced adverse effects were exaggerated in Nrf2 knockout (Nrf2−/−) mice. In cultured cardiomyocytes, overexpression of Nrf2 increased the steady levels of LC3-II, ameliorated Dox-induced impairment of autophagic flux and accumulation of ubiquitinated protein aggregates, and suppressed Dox-induced cytotoxicity, whereas knockdown of Nrf2 exerted opposite effects. Moreover, the exaggerated adverse effects in Dox-intoxicated Nrf2 depleted cardiomyocytes were dramatically attenuated by forced activation of autophagy via overexpression of autophagy related gene 5 (Atg5). Thus, these results suggest that Nrf2 is likely an endogenous suppressor of Dox-induced cardiotoxicity by controlling both oxidative stress and autophagy in the heart.
In VitroScreening forβ-Hydroxy-β-methylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitory and Antioxidant Activity of Sequentially Extracted Fractions ofFicus palmataForsk
Authors: Iqbal Danish , Khan M. Salman , Khan Amir , Khan Mohd. Sajid , Ahmad Saheem , Srivastava Ashwani K. , Bagga Paramdeep
Published: May 2014

Hypercholesterolemia-induced oxidative stress has been strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, which is one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. The current work, for the first time, accounts the antioxidant, genoprotective, antilipoperoxidative, and HMG-CoA reductase (EC 1.1.1.34) inhibitory properties of traditional medicinal plant,Ficus palmataForsk. Our result showed that among sequentially extracted fractions ofFicus palmataForsk, FPBA (F. palmatabark aqueous extract) and FPLM (F. palmataleaves methanolic extract) extracts have higher phenolic content and also exhibited significantly more radical scavenging (DPPH and Superoxide) and antioxidant (FRAP) capacity. Moreover, FPBA extract also exhibited significantly higher inhibition of lipid peroxidation assay. Additionally, results showed almost complete and partial protection of oxidatively damaged DNA by these plant extracts when compared to mannitol. Furthermore, our results showed that FPBA extract (IC50=9.1±0.61 µg/mL) exhibited noteworthy inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase activity as compared to other extracts, which might suggest its role as cardioprotective agent. In conclusion, results showed that FPBA extract not only possess significant antioxidant and genoprotective property but also is able to attenuate the enzymatic activity of HMG-CoA reductase, which might suggest its role in combating various oxidative stress-related diseases, including atherosclerosis.
TiO2and TiO2-Doped Films Able to Kill Bacteria by Contact: New Evidence for the Dynamics of Bacterial Inactivation in the Dark and under Light Irradiation
Authors: Kiwi John , Rtimi Sami , Sanjines Rosendo , Pulgarin Cesar
Published: May 2014

This paper addresses recent developments in the design, evaluation, and characterization of flexible, uniform polyethylene-TiO2(PE-TiO2), TiO2-In2O3, and TiO2-polyester able to inactivate bacteria under band gap irradiation and in the dark. The preparation of these bactericide films by sol-gel or by sputtering techniques is reported. TheE. coliloss of viability kinetics under low intensity and actinic light is evaluated. Evidence for kinetics of the major steps leading to bacterial disinfection in the dark is presented by electron microscopy (TEM). The film surface properties were characterized by surface techniques like EM, DRS, XPS, ATR-IR, CA, AFM, XRD, and XRF. The surface characterization allows the correlation of the film surface morphology with the self-disinfection performance. The events taking place at the cell wall leading to bacterial inactivation when in contact with the TiO2films are presented and the steps related to the bond stretching preceding bond scission identified by ATR-IR.
Quantitative Electroencephalography and Behavioural Correlates of Daytime Sleepiness in Chronic Stroke
Authors: Herron Katherine , Dijk Derk-Jan , Dean Philip , Seiss Ellen , Sterr Annette
Published: May 2014

Sleepiness is common after stroke, but in contrast to its importance for rehabilitation, existing studies focus primarily on the acute state and often use subjective sleepiness measures only. We used quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) to extract physiological sleepiness, as well as subjective reports, in response to motor-cognitive demand in stroke patients and controls. We hypothesised that (a) slowing of the EEG is chronically sustained after stroke; (b) increased power in lower frequencies and increased sleepiness are associated; and (c) sleepiness is modulated by motor-cognitive demand. QEEGs were recorded in 32 chronic stroke patients and 20 controls using a Karolinska Drowsiness Test protocol administered before and after a motor priming task. Subjective sleepiness was measured using the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale. The findings showed that power density was significantly increased in delta and theta frequency bands over both hemispheres in patients which were not associated with subjective sleepiness ratings. This effect was not observed in controls. The motor priming task induced differential hemispheric effects with greater increase in low-frequency bands and presumably compensatory increases in higher frequency bands. The results indicate sustained slowing in the qEEG in chronic stroke, but in contrast to healthy controls, these changes are not related to perceived sleepiness.
On-Chip Power Minimization Using Serialization-Widening with Frequent Value Encoding
Authors: Mohammad Khader , Kabeer Ahsan , Taha Tarek
Published: May 2014

In chip-multiprocessors (CMP) architecture, the L2 cache is shared by the L1 cache of each processor core, resulting in a high volume of diverse data transfer through the L1-L2 cache bus. High-performance CMP and SoC systems have a significant amount of data transfer between the on-chip L2 cache and the L3 cache of off-chip memory through the power expensive off-chip memory bus. This paper addresses the problem of the high-power consumption of the on-chip data buses, exploring a framework for memory data bus power consumption minimization approach. A comprehensive analysis of the existing bus power minimization approaches is provided based on the performance, power, and area overhead consideration. A novel approaches for reducing the power consumption for the on-chip bus is introduced. In particular, a serialization-widening (SW) of data bus with frequent value encoding (FVE), called the SWE approach, is proposed as the best power savings approach for the on-chip cache data bus. The experimental results show that the SWE approach with FVE can achieve approximately 54% power savings over the conventional bus for multicore applications using a 64-bit wide data bus in 45 nm technology.
Characterization of the Manufacturing Processes to Grow Triple-Junction Solar Cells
Authors: Kalyuzhnyy N. A. , Evstropov V. V. , Lantratov V. M. , Mintairov S. A. , Mintairov M. A. , Gudovskikh A. S. , Luque A. , Andreev V. M.
Published: May 2014

A number of important but little-investigated problems connected with III-V/Ge heterostructure in the GaInP/GaInAs/Ge multijunction solar cells grown by MOVPE are considered in the paper. The opportunity for successfully applying the combination of reflectance and reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy in situ methods for investigating III-V structure growth on a Ge substrate has been demonstrated. Photovoltaic properties of the III-V/Ge narrow-band subcell of the triple-junction solar cells have been investigated. It has been shown that there are excess currents in the Ge photovoltaic p-n junctions, and they have the tunneling or thermotunneling character. The values of the diode parameters for these current flow mechanisms have been determined. The potential barrier at the III-V/Ge interface was determined and the origin of this barrier formation during MOVPE heterogrowth was suggested.
Viscoelastic, Spectroscopic, and Microscopic Characterization of Novel Bio-Based Plasticized Poly(vinyl chloride) Compound
Authors: Sin Mei Chan , Tan Irene Kit Ping , Annuar Mohd Suffian Mohd , Gan Seng Neon
Published: May 2014

Plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is one of the most widely consumed commodity plastics. Nevertheless, the commonly used plasticizers, particularly phthalates, are found to be detrimental to the environment and human health. This study aimed to investigate the ability of an alternative greener material, medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates (mcl-PHA), a kind of biopolyester and its thermally degraded oligoesters, to act as a compatible bioplasticizer for PVC. In this study, mcl-PHA were synthesized byPseudomonas putidaPGA1 in shake flask fermentation using saponified palm kernel oil (SPKO) and subsequently moderately thermodegraded to low molecular weight oligoesters (degPHA). SEM, ATR-FTIR,1H-NMR, and DMA were conducted to study the film morphology, microstructure, miscibility, and viscoelastic properties of the PVC-PHA and PVC/degPHA binary blends. Increased height and sharpness of tanδmax⁡peak for all binary blends reveal an increase in chain mobility in the PVC matrix and high miscibility within the system. The PVC-PHA miscibility is possibly due to the presence of specific interactions between chlorines of PVC with the C=O group of PHA as evidenced by spectroscopic analyses. Dynamic viscoelastic measurements also showed that mcl-PHA and their oligoesters could reduce theTgof PVC, imparting elasticity to the PVC compounds and decreasing the stiffness of PVC.
Microbial Tyrosinases: Promising Enzymes for Pharmaceutical, Food Bioprocessing, and Environmental Industry
Authors: Zaidi Kamal Uddin , Ali Ayesha S. , Ali Sharique A. , Naaz Ishrat
Published: May 2014

Tyrosinase is a natural enzyme and is often purified to only a low degree and it is involved in a variety of functions which mainly catalyse theo-hydroxylation of monophenols into their correspondingo-diphenols and the oxidation ofo-diphenols too-quinones using molecular oxygen, which then polymerizes to form brown or black pigments. The synthesis ofo-diphenols is a potentially valuable catalytic ability and thus tyrosinase has attracted a lot of attention with respect to industrial applications. In environmental technology it is used for the detoxification of phenol-containing wastewaters and contaminated soils, as biosensors for phenol monitoring, and for the production of L-DOPA in pharmaceutical industries, and is also used in cosmetic and food industries as important catalytic enzyme. Melanin pigment synthesized by tyrosinase has found applications for protection against radiation cation exchangers, drug carriers, antioxidants, antiviral agents, or immunogen. The recombinantV. spinosumtryosinase protein can be used to produce tailor-made melanin and other polyphenolic materials using various phenols and catechols as starting materials. This review compiles the recent data on biochemical and molecular properties of microbial tyrosinases, underlining their importance in the industrial use of these enzymes. After that, their most promising applications in pharmaceutical, food processing, and environmental fields are presented.
Mathematical Safety Assessment Approaches for Thermal Power Plants
Authors: Yang Zong-Xiao , Song Lei , Zhang Chun-Yang , Li Chong , Yuan Xiao-Bo
Published: May 2014

How to use system analysis methods to identify the hazards in the industrialized process, working environment, and production management for complex industrial processes, such as thermal power plants, is one of the challenges in the systems engineering. A mathematical system safety assessment model is proposed for thermal power plants in this paper by integrating fuzzy analytical hierarchy process, set pair analysis, and system functionality analysis. In the basis of those, the key factors influencing the thermal power plant safety are analyzed. The influence factors are determined based on fuzzy analytical hierarchy process. The connection degree among the factors is obtained by set pair analysis. The system safety preponderant function is constructed through system functionality analysis for inherence properties and nonlinear influence. The decision analysis system is developed by using active server page technology, web resource integration, and cross‐platform capabilities for applications to the industrialized process. The availability of proposed safety assessment approach is verified by using an actual thermal power plant, which has improved the enforceability and predictability in enterprise safety assessment.
Identification and Expression Profiling of the BTB Domain-Containing Protein Gene Family in the Silkworm,Bombyx mori
Authors: Cheng Daojun , Qian Wenliang , Meng Meng , Wang Yonghu , Peng Jian , Xia Qingyou
Published: May 2014

The BTB domain is a conserved protein-protein interaction motif. In this study, we identified 56 BTB domain-containing protein genes in the silkworm, in addition to 46 in the honey bee, 55 in the red flour beetle, and 53 in the monarch butterfly. Silkworm BTB protein genes were classified into nine subfamilies according to their domain architecture, and most of them could be mapped on the different chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that silkworm BTB protein genes may have undergone a duplication event in three subfamilies: BTB-BACK-Kelch, BTB-BACK-PHR, and BTB-FLYWCH. Comparative analysis demonstrated that the orthologs of each of 13 BTB protein genes present a rigorous orthologous relationship in the silkworm and other surveyed insects, indicating conserved functions of these genes during insect evolution. Furthermore, several silkworm BTB protein genes exhibited sex-specific expression in larval tissues or at different stages during metamorphosis. These findings not only contribute to a better understanding of the evolution of insect BTB protein gene families but also provide a basis for further investigation of the functions of BTB protein genes in the silkworm.
A Qualitative Study Exploring Facilitators for Improved Health Behaviors and Health Behavior Programs: Mental Health Service Users’ Perspectives
Authors: Graham Candida , Rollings Crystal , de Leeuw Sarah , Anderson Lesley , Griffiths Brenda , Long Nansi
Published: May 2014

Objective.Mental health service users experience high rates of cardiometabolic disorders and have a 20–25% shorter life expectancy than the general population from such disorders. Clinician-led health behavior programs have shown moderate improvements, for mental health service users, in managing aspects of cardiometabolic disorders. This study sought to potentially enhance health initiatives by exploring (1) facilitators that help mental health service users engage in better health behaviors and (2) the types of health programs mental health service users want to develop.Methods.A qualitative study utilizing focus groups was conducted with 37 mental health service users attending a psychosocial rehabilitation center, in Northern British Columbia, Canada.Results.Four major facilitator themes were identified: (1) factors of empowerment, self-value, and personal growth; (2) the need for social support; (3) pragmatic aspects of motivation and planning; and (4) access. Participants believed that engaging with programs of physical activity, nutrition, creativity, and illness support would motivate them to live more healthily.Conclusions and Implications for Practice.Being able to contribute to health behavior programs, feeling valued and able to experience personal growth are vital factors to engage mental health service users in health programs. Clinicians and health care policy makers need to account for these considerations to improve success of health improvement initiatives for this population.
Study on the Relationship between Sports Skills and Visual Image Operation
Authors: Zeng Peng , Liu Long , Liu Timon Cheng-Yi , Yang Xiang-Bo
Published: May 2014

120 college athletes including 30 gymnasts, 30 ball players, 30 athletes in track and field, and 30 swimmers with different levels of sports skills were measured on the operation speed and accuracy of visual images in the present study. The results showed that there was a close relationship between sport skill level and the operation level of visual images. The higher the sport skill level was, the higher the operation level was. The gymnasts were faster in the operation of visual images than the other athletes, but there was no significant difference among athletes of other sports games in visual image operation. The athletes achieved great improvement in their ability of visual image, but there was no significant difference between different genders.
Bioactive Compounds Derived from the Yeast Metabolism of Aromatic Amino Acids during Alcoholic Fermentation
Authors: Mas Albert , Guillamon Jose Manuel , Torija Maria Jesus , Beltran Gemma , Cerezo Ana B. , Troncoso Ana M. , Garcia-Parrilla M. Carmen
Published: May 2014

Metabolites resulting from nitrogen metabolism in yeast are currently found in some fermented beverages such as wine and beer. Their study has recently attracted the attention of researchers. Some metabolites derived from aromatic amino acids are bioactive compounds that can behave as hormones or even mimic their role in humans and may also act as regulators in yeast. Although the metabolic pathways for their formation are well known, the physiological significance is still far from being understood. The understanding of this relevance will be a key element in managing the production of these compounds under controlled conditions, to offer fermented food with specific enrichment in these compounds or even to use the yeast as nutritional complements.
Comparative Study between Measurement Data and Treatment Planning System (TPS) in Small Fields for High Energy Photon Beams
Authors: El Shahat Khaled , El Saeid Aziza , Attalla Ehab , Yassin Adel
Published: May 2014

To achieve tumor control for radiotherapy, a dose distribution is planned which has a good chance of sterilizing all cancer cells without causing unacceptable normal tissue complications. The aim of the present study was to achieve an accurate calculation of dose for small field dimensions and perform this by evaluating the accuracy of planning system calculation. This will be compared with real measurement of dose for the same small field dimensions using different detectors. Practical work was performed in two steps: (i) determination of the physical factors required for dose estimation measured by three ionization chambers and calculated by treatment planning system (TPS) based on the latest technical report series (IAEATRS-398) and (ii) comparison of the calculated and measured data. Our data analysis for small field is irradiated by photon energy matched with the data obtained from the ionization chambers and the treatment planning system. Radiographic films were used as an additional detector for the obtained data and showed matching with TPS calculation. It can be concluded that studied small field dimensions were averaged 6% and 4% for 6 MV and 15 MV, respectively. Radiographic film measurements showed a variation in results within ±2% than TPS calculation.
Multistability and Instability of Competitive Neural Networks with Mexican-Hat-Type Activation Functions
Authors: Nie Xiaobing , Cao Jinde , Fei Shumin
Published: May 2014

We investigate the existence and dynamical behaviors of multiple equilibria for competitive neural networks with a class of general Mexican-hat-type activation functions. The Mexican-hat-type activation functions are not monotonously increasing, and the structure of neural networks with Mexican-hat-type activation functions is totally different from those with sigmoidal activation functions or nondecreasing saturated activation functions, which have been employed extensively in previous multistability papers. By tracking the dynamics of each state component and applying fixed point theorem and analysis method, some sufficient conditions are presented to study the multistability and instability, including the total number of equilibria, their locations, and local stability and instability. The obtained results extend and improve the very recent works. Two illustrative examples with their simulations are given to verify the theoretical analysis.
Microsatellite Attitude Determination and Control Subsystem Design and Implementation: Software‐in‐the‐Loop Approach
Authors: Shou Ho-Nien
Published: May 2014

The paper describes the development of a microsatellite attitude determination and control subsystem (ADCS) and verification of its functionality by software‐in‐the‐loop (SIL) method. The role of ADCS is to provide attitude control functions, including the de‐tumbling and stabilizing the satellite angular velocity, and as well as estimating the orbit and attitude information during the satellite operation. In Taiwan, Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), dedicating for students to design experimental low earth orbit micro‐satellite, called AFITsat. For AFITsat, the operation of the ADCS consists of three modes which are initialization mode, detumbling mode, and normal mode, respectively. During the initialization mode, ADCS collects the early orbit measurement data from various sensors so that the data can be downlinked to the ground station for further analysis. As particularly emphasized in this paper, during the detumbling mode, ADCS implements the thrusters in plus‐wide modulation control method to decrease the satellite angular velocity. ADCS provides the attitude determination function for the estimation of the satellite state, during normal mode. The three modes of microsatellite adopted Kalman filter algorithm estimate microsatellite attitude. This paper will discuss using the SIL validation ADCS function and verify its feasibility.
Recent Advances in Developing Insect Natural Products as Potential Modern Day Medicines
Authors: Ratcliffe Norman , Azambuja Patricia , Mello Cicero Brasileiro
Published: May 2014

Except for honey as food, and silk for clothing and pollination of plants, people give little thought to the benefits of insects in their lives. This overview briefly describes significant recent advances in developing insect natural products as potential new medicinal drugs. This is an exciting and rapidly expanding new field since insects are hugely variable and have utilised an enormous range of natural products to survive environmental perturbations for 100s of millions of years. There is thus a treasure chest of untapped resources waiting to be discovered. Insects products, such as silk and honey, have already been utilised for thousands of years, and extracts of insects have been produced for use in Folk Medicine around the world, but only with the development of modern molecular and biochemical techniques has it become feasible to manipulate and bioengineer insect natural products into modern medicines. Utilising knowledge gleaned from Insect Folk Medicines, this review describes modern research into bioengineering honey and venom from bees, silk, cantharidin, antimicrobial peptides, and maggot secretions and anticoagulants from blood‐sucking insects into medicines. Problems and solutions encountered in these endeavours are described and indicate that the future is bright for new insect derived pharmaceuticals treatments and medicines.
An Immunomodulatory Protein (Ling Zhi‐8) from a Ganoderma lucidum Induced Acceleration of Wound Healing in Rat Liver Tissues after Monopolar Electrosurgery
Authors: Lin Hao-Jan , Chang Yushan-Sophie , Lin Li-Hsiang , Haung Chiung-Fang , Wu Chia-Yu , Ou Keng-Liang
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of an immunomodulatory protein (Ling Zhi‐8, LZ‐8) on wound healing in rat liver tissues after monopolar electrosurgery. Animals were sacrificed for evaluations at 0, 3, 7, and 28 days postoperatively. It was found that the wound with the LZ‐8 treatment significantly increases wound healing. Western blot analysis clearly indicated that the expression of NF‐κB was decreased at 3, 7, and 28 days when liver tissues were treated with LZ‐8. Moreover, caspase‐3 activity of the liver tissue also significantly decreases at 7 and 28 days, respectively. DAPI staining and TUNEL assays revealed that only a minimal dispersion of NF‐κB was found on the liver tissue treated with LZ‐8 at day 7 as compared with day 3 and tissues without LZ‐8 treatment. Similarly, apoptosis was decreased on liver tissues treated with LZ‐8 at 7 days when compared to the control (monopolar electrosurgery) tissues. Therefore, the analytical results demonstrated that LZ‐8 induced acceleration of wound healing in rat liver tissues after monopolar electrosurgery.
Analysis and Enhancement of IEEE 802.15.4e DSME Beacon Scheduling Model
Authors: Hwang Kwang-il , Nam Sung-wook
Published: May 2014

In order to construct a successful Internet of things (IoT), reliable network construction and maintenance in a sensor domain should be supported. However, IEEE 802.15.4, which is the most representative wireless standard for IoT, still has problems in constructing a large-scale sensor network, such as beacon collision. To overcome some problems in IEEE 802.15.4, the 15.4e task group proposed various different modes of operation. Particularly, the IEEE 802.15.4e deterministic and synchronous multichannel extension (DSME) mode presents a novel scheduling model to solve beacon collision problems. However, the DSME model specified in the 15.4e draft does not present a concrete design model but a conceptual abstract model. Therefore, in this paper we introduce a DSME beacon scheduling model and present a concrete design model. Furthermore, validity and performance of DSME are evaluated through experiments. Based on experiment results, we analyze the problems and limitations of DSME, present solutions step by step, and finally propose an enhanced DSME beacon scheduling model. Through additional experiments, we prove the performance superiority of enhanced DSME.
An Alternative Variational Framework for Image Denoising
Authors: Ogada Elisha Achieng , Guo Zhichang , Wu Boying
Published: May 2014

We propose an alternative framework for total variation based image denoising models. The model is based on the minimization of the total variation with a functional coefficient, where, in this case, the functional coefficient is a function of the magnitude of image gradient. We determine the considerations to bear on the choice of the functional coefficient. With the use of an example functional, we demonstrate the effectiveness of a model chosen based on the proposed consideration. In addition, for the illustrative model, we prove the existence and uniqueness of the minimizer of the variational problem. The existence and uniqueness of the solution associated evolution equation are also established. Experimental results are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the selected model in image restoration over the traditional methods of Perona-Malik (PM), total variation (TV), and the D-α-PM method.
Sharp Geometric Mean Bounds for Neuman Means
Authors: Zhang Yan , Chu Yu-Ming , Jiang Yun-Liang
Published: May 2014

We find the best possible constantsα1,α2,β1,β2∈[0,1/2]andα3,α4,β3,β4∈[1/2,1]such that the double inequalitiesG(α1a+(1-α1)b,α1b+(1-α1)a)<NAG(a,b)<G(β1a+(1-β1)b,β1b+(1-β1)a),G(α2a+(1-α2)b,α2b+(1-α2)a)<NGA(a,b)<G(β2a+(1-β2)b,β2b+(1-β2)a),Q(α3a+(1-α3)b,α3b+(1-α3)a)<NQA(a,b)<Q(β3a+(1-β3)b,β3b+(1-β3)a),Q(α4a+(1-α4)b,α4b+(1-α4)a)<NAQ(a,b)0witha≠b, whereG,A, andQare, respectively, the geometric, arithmetic, and quadratic means andNAG,NGA,NQA, andNAQare the Neuman means.
PeristeenⒸ  Transanal Irrigation System for Paediatric Faecal Incontinence: A Single Centre Experience
Authors: Nasher Omar , Hill Richard E. , Peeraully Riyad , Wright Ali , Singh Shailinder J.
Published: May 2014

Aim.To evaluate the efficacy of the PeristeenⒸtransanal irrigation system when treating faecal incontinence in children due to chronic idiopathic constipation.Methods.A retrospective study was conducted of the first cohort of patients affected with faecal incontinence and referred to our centre for PeristeenⒸtransanal irrigation treatment between January 2010 and December 2012. Patients with neurogenic bowel disturbance were excluded. A previously described and validated faecal continence scoring system was used to assess bowel function and social problems before and after treatment with PeristeenⒸ.Results.13 patients were referred for PeristeenⒸtransanal irrigation during the study period. Mean time of using PeristeenⒸ  was 12.6 months (±0.6 months) and mean length of follow-up was 21.2 months (±0.9 months). All patients were noted to have an improvement in their faecal continence score, with a mean improvement from 9.7 ± 1.4 to 14.8 ± 2.7 (P=0.0008) and a reduction in episodes of soiling and increasing in quality of life scores.Conclusion.In this initial study, PeristeenⒸappears to be a safe and effective bowel management system, which improves bowel function and quality of life in children affected with faecal incontinence as a result of chronic idiopathic constipation, Hirschsprung’s disease, and anorectal malformations.
Assessment of Acute Oral and Dermal Toxicity of 2 Ethyl-Carbamates with Activity againstRhipicephalus microplusin Rats
Authors: Prado-Ochoa María Guadalupe , Gutiérrez-Amezquita Ricardo Alfonso , Abrego-Reyes Víctor Hugo , Velázquez-Sánchez Ana María , Muñoz-Guzmán Marco Antonio , Ramírez-Noguera Patricia , Angeles Enrique , Alba-Hurtado Fernando
Published: May 2014

The acute oral and dermal toxicity of two new ethyl-carbamates (ethyl-4-bromophenyl-carbamate and ethyl-4-chlorophenyl-carbamate) with ixodicide activity was determined in rats. The oral LD50of each carbamate was 300 to 2000 mg/kg, and the dermal LD50of each carbamate was >5000 mg/kg. Clinically, the surviving rats that had received oral doses of each carbamate showed decreased weight gain (P<0.05) and had slight nervous system manifestations. These clinical signs were evident from the 300 mg/kg dose and were reversible, whereas the 2000 mg/kg dose caused severe damage and either caused their death or was motive for euthanasia. At necropsy, these rats had dilated stomachs and cecums with diffuse congestion, as well as moderate congestion of the liver. Histologically, the liver showed slight degenerative lesions, binucleated hepatocytes, focal coagulative necrosis, and congestion areas; the severity of the lesions increased with dosage. Furthermore, an slight increase in gamma-glutamyltransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine was observed in the plasma. The dermal application of the maximum dose (5000 mg/kg) of each carbamate did not cause clinical manifestations or liver and skin alterations. This finding demonstrates that the carbamates under study have a low oral hazard and low acute dermal toxicity.
Developing and Evaluating an Adaptive Business English Self‐Learning System for EFL Vocabulary Learning
Authors: Wang Yen-Hui
Published: May 2014

This paper developed an adaptive Business English self‐learning system for EFL vocabulary learning. The components of word reoccurrence and learner engagement have been built into the system where the amount of unknown word reexposure in various customized texts increases and vocabulary enhancement tasks are added to promote learner engagement with wanted words. To evaluate the system effectiveness on EFL vocabulary learning, the experimental group read system‐screened texts with immediate and repeated contacts with individuals’ unknown words and performed vocabulary tasks specific to those unknown words, while the control group read online texts without unknown word reoccurrence and vocabulary practice. After one semester, these two groups were measured by one online vocabulary test, and an online user satisfaction investigation was also administered to the experimental group. The study found that the experimental group reading customized texts to reexpose to previously encountered unknown words in different texts along with doing individualized vocabulary exercises performed significantly better in EFL vocabulary learning than the other group. It was also found that the system was appealing for the learners to show positive attitudes toward the use of the system. The study demonstrated that the constructed adaptive Business English self‐learning system could effectively promote vocabulary growth.
Bone Marrow Plasma Cell Assessment before Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Mobilization in Patients with Multiple Myeloma Undergoing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Lee Sung-Eun , Yoon Jae-Ho , Shin Seung-Hwan , Eom Ki-Seong , Kim Yoo-Jin , Kim Hee-Je , Lee Seok , Cho Seok-Goo , Lee Jong Wook , Min Woo-Sung , Park Chong-Won , Kim Myungshin , Min Chang-Ki
Published: May 2014

The current definition of complete response (CR) in multiple myeloma (MM) includes negative serum and urine immunofixation (IFE) tests and <5% bone marrow plasma cells (BMPCs). However, many studies of the prognostic impact of pretransplant response have not included BMPCs. We evaluated the prognostic impact of BMPC assessment before peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilization on subsequent transplant outcomes. BMPCs were assessed by CD138, kappa, and lambda immunostaining in 106 patients. After a median followup of 24.5 months, patients with <5% BMPCs had a significantly better progression-free survival (PFS) compared to those with ≥5% BMPCs(P=0.005). Patients with <5% BMPCs + serologic CR showed superior PFS compared to those with <5% BMPCs + serologic non-CR(P=0.050)or ≥5% BMPCs + serologic non-CR(P=0.001). Interestingly, the prognostic impact of BMPCs was more apparent for patients who did not achieve a serologic CR(P=0.042)compared to those with a serologic CR(P=0.647). We concluded that IFE negativity and <5% BMPCs before PBSC mobilization were important factors to predict PFS in patients with MM undergoing ASCT. Particularly, a significant impact of <5% BMPCs was observed in patients who did not achieve IFE negativity.
Data Mining of the Thermal Performance of Cool‐Pipes in Massive Concrete via In Situ Monitoring
Authors: Zuo Zheng , Hu Yu , Li Qingbin , Zhang Liyuan
Published: May 2014

Embedded cool‐pipes are very important for massive concrete because their cooling effect can effectively avoid thermal cracks. In this study, a data mining approach to analyzing the thermal performance of cool‐pipes via in situ monitoring is proposed. Delicate monitoring program is applied in a high arch dam project that provides a good and mass data source. The factors and relations related to the thermal performance of cool‐pipes are obtained in a built theory thermal model. The supporting vector machine (SVM) technology is applied to mine the data. The thermal performances of iron pipes and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes are compared. The data mining result shows that iron pipe has a better heat removal performance when flow rate is lower than 50 L/min. It has revealed that a turning flow rate exists for iron pipe which is 80 L/min. The prediction and classification results obtained from the data mining model agree well with the monitored data, which illustrates the validness of the approach.
Inhibition of SIRT1 Signaling Sensitizes the Antitumor Activity of Silybin against Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Liang Zhenxing , Yang Yang , Wang Haibin , Yi Wei , Yan Xiaolong , Yan Juanjuan , Li Yue , Feng Yingtong , Yu Shiqiang , Yang Jian , Jin Zhenxiao , Duan Weixun , Chen Wensheng
Published: May 2014

Although silybin, a natural flavonolignan, has been shown to exhibit potent antitumor activities against various types of cancers, including lung cancer, the molecular mechanisms behind these activities remain unclear. Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) is a conserved NAD+-dependent deacetylase that has been implicated in the modulation of transcriptional silencing and cell survival. Furthermore, it plays a key role in carcinogenesis through the deacetylation of important regulatory proteins, including p53. In this study, we investigated the antitumor activity of silybin towards human lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo and explored the role of the SIRT1 signaling pathway in this process. Silybin treatment resulted in a dose- and time-dependent decrease in lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell viability. In addition, silybin exhibited strong antitumor activity illustrated by reductions in tumor cell adhesion, migratory capability, and glutathione levels and by increased apoptotic indices and reactive oxygen species levels. Silybin treatment also downregulated SIRT1 and upregulated p53 acetylation. SIRT1 siRNA (in vitro) or cambinol (a known SIRT1 inhibitor used for in vivo studies) further enhanced the antitumor activity of silybin. In summary, silybin is a potent inhibitor of lung adenocarcinoma cell growth that interferes with SIRT1 signaling, and this inhibition is a novel mechanism of silybin action that may be used for therapeutic intervention in lung adenocarcinoma treatment. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(7); 1860–72. ©2014 AACR.
A Novel Homozygous Mutation of the IGFALS Gene in a Female Adolescent: Indirect Evidence for a Contributing Role of the Circulating IGF-I Pool in the Pubertal Growth Spurt
Authors: Poukoulidou Thekla , Kowalczyk Julia , Metherell Lou , De Schepper Jean , Maes Marc
Published: May 2014

Background: Mutations of the IGFALS gene have been reported since 2004 in 24 patients, but only 5 of these are females. Case Report: We describe a 14.7-year-old female of a consanguineous Moroccan family with growth retardation and normal-onset but slow progression of puberty without manifest pubertal height gain. Results: At age 3.2 years, the patient's height was 85.5 cm (-2.9 SDS) and her weight 9.9 kg (-2.9 SDS) with a head circumference of 44.5 cm (-3.3 SDS). Serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations were low with normal basal and stimulated growth hormone (GH) levels. An IGF-I generation test confirmed a lack of response to GH administration. While onset of puberty occurred at a normal age, no significant pubertal growth acceleration was observed despite progression of breast development. Sequencing of the IGFALS gene revealed a novel homozygous frameshift mutation (c.1291delT) with a stop codon (p.W431GfsX10) leading to undetectable serum levels of acid-labile subunit. Conclusion: We report the phenotype of an adolescent girl with primary IGF-I deficiency due to a novel homozygous mutation of the IGFALS gene, who presented with growth delay, normal pubertal onset with slow progression and no pubertal growth acceleration indirectly suggesting a contributing role of the circulating IGF-I pool in the pubertal growth spurt.
Topical Application of Chinese Herbal Medicine for Atopic Eczema: A Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gu Sherman , Yang Angela Weihong , Li Chun Guang , Lu Chuanjian , Xue Charlie Changli
Published: May 2014

Background: Atopic eczema (AE) affects 10-20% of children in industrialised countries. Objective: This review systematically evaluated the effects and safety of topical use of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for AE. Methods: Randomised controlled trials on topical use of CHM were identified through searching electronic databases. Their risk of bias was assessed. Meta-analysis was conducted by employing the RevMan 5.2 software. Results: Ten studies involving 1,058 participants were included. These studies had high risk of bias in randomisation, blinding and outcome data. Meta-analysis showed that topical applications of CHM were superior to conventional medications in total effectiveness rate (risk ratio 1.19; 95% confidence interval 1.04 to 1.36). No significant difference was observed in overall skin lesion score (standardised mean difference -0.05; 95% confidence interval -0.88 to 0.78) compared to corticosteroid creams. Conclusions: There was no conclusive evidence to demonstrate that topical application of CHM for AE was superior to other control interventions due to methodological weaknesses of the included randomised controlled trials.