bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling Favourability for Invasive Species Encroachment to Identify Areas of Native Species Vulnerability
Authors: Romero David , Báez José C. , Ferri-Yáñez Francisco , Bellido Jesús J. , Real Raimundo
Published: January 2014

We assessed the vulnerability of the native Mediterranean pond turtle to encroachment by the invasive red-eared slider in southern Spain. We first obtained an ecogeographical favourability model for the Mediterranean pond turtle. We then modelled the presence/absence of the red-eared slider in the Mediterranean pond turtle range and obtained an encroachment favourability model. We also obtained a favourability model for the red-eared slider using the ecogeographical favourability for the Mediterranean pond turtle as a predictor. When favourability for the Mediterranean pond turtle was high, favourability for the red-eared slider was low, suggesting that in these areas the Mediterranean pond turtle may resist encroachment by the red-eared slider. We also calculated favourability overlap between the two species, which is their simultaneous favourability. Grids with low overlap had higher favourability values for the Mediterranean pond turtle and, consequently, were of lesser conservation concern. A few grids had high values for both species, being potentially suitable for coexistence. Grids with intermediate overlap had similar intermediate favourability values for both species and were therefore areas where the Mediterranean pond turtle was more vulnerable to encroachment by the red-eared slider. We mapped the favourability overlap to provide a map of vulnerability of the Mediterranean pond turtle to encroachment by the red-eared slider.
On Fractional Model Reference Adaptive Control
Authors: Shi Bao , Yuan Jian , Dong Chao
Published: January 2014

This paper extends the conventional Model Reference Adaptive Control systems to fractional ones based on the theory of fractional calculus. A control law and an incommensurate fractional adaptation law are designed for the fractional plant and the fractional reference model. The stability and tracking convergence are analyzed using the frequency distributed fractional integrator model and Lyapunov theory. Moreover, numerical simulations of both linear and nonlinear systems are performed to exhibit the viability and effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
On the Mechanical Friction Losses Occurring in Automotive Differential Gearboxes
Authors: Antoni Grégory
Published: January 2014

In the automobile industry, the mechanical losses resulting from friction are largely responsible for various kinds of surface damage, such as the scuffing occurring in some mechanical assemblies. These scuffing processes seem to be due to a local loss of lubrication between certain mechanical elements of the same assembly, leading to a sharp increase in the friction, which can lead to a surface and volume damage in some of them, and even can cause, in the worst case, the whole destruction of the mechanical system if it has continued to operate. Predicting and checking the occurrence of this kind of undesirable phenomena, especially in some principal systems of the vehicle, represents nowadays, a crucial challenge in terms of automobile reliability and safety. This study focuses on the mechanical friction losses liable to occur in differential automobile gearboxes, which can lead in the long term to the scuffing of these mechanical systems. The friction losses involved were modeled, using a simple analytical approach, which is presented and discussed.
Surface Wettability of Oxygen Plasma Treated Porous Silicon
Authors: Jiang Lei , Li Songyan , Wang Jiqian , Yang Limin , Sun Qian , Li Zhaomin
Published: January 2014

Oxygen plasma treatment on porous silicon (p‐Si) surfaces was studied as a practical and effective means to modify wetting properties of as‐fabricated p‐Si surfaces, that is, contact angles of the p‐Si materials. P‐Si samples spanning a wide range of surface nanostructures have been fabricated which were subjected to a series of oxygen plasma treatments. Reduction of the p‐Si surface contact angles has been systematically observed, and the surface activation rate constant as a function of different pore geometries has been analyzed to achieve an empirical equation. The underlying diffusion mechanisms have been discussed by taking into account of different pore diameters of p‐Si samples. It is envisaged that such an approach as well as the corresponding empirical equation may be used to provide relevant process guidance in order to achieve precise control of p‐Si contact angles, which is essential for many p‐Si applications especially in biosensor areas.
Wind Turbine Clutter Mitigation in Coastal UHF Radar
Authors: Yang Jing , Pan Chao , Wang Caijun , Jiang Dapeng , Wen Biyang
Published: January 2014

Coastal UHF radar provides a unique capability to measure the sea surface dynamic parameters and detect small moving targets, by exploiting the low energy loss of electromagnetic waves propagating along the salty and good conducting ocean surface. It could compensate the blind zone of HF surface wave radar at close range and reach further distance than microwave radars. However, its performance is susceptible to wind turbines which are usually installed on the shore. The size of a wind turbine is much larger than the wavelength of radio waves at UHF band, which results in large radar cross section. Furthermore, the rotation of blades adds time-varying Doppler frequency to the clutter and makes the suppression difficult. This paper proposes a mitigation method which is based on the specific periodicity of wind turbine clutter and performed mainly in the time-frequency domain. Field experimental data of a newly developed UHF radar are used to verify this method, and the results prove its effectiveness.
The Effect of PCM Capsule Material on the Thermal Energy Storage System Performance
Authors: Reddy R. Meenakshi , Nallusamy N. , Reddy K. Hemachandra
Published: January 2014

Phase change material (PCM) based thermal energy storage (TES) systems are gaining increasing importance in recent years in order to reduce the gap between energy supply and demand in solar thermal applications. The present work investigates the effect of PCM capsule material on the performance of TES system during charging and discharging processes. The TES unit contains paraffin as PCM filled in spherical capsules and is integrated with flat plate solar collector. Water is used as sensible heat material as well as heat transfer fluid (HTF). The PCM capsules are of 68 mm diameter and are made using three different materials, namely, (i) high density polyethylene (HDPE), (ii) aluminum (Al), and (iii) mild steel (MS). The experimental investigation showed that the charging and recovery of stored energy are less affected by the spherical capsules material. The variables, like charging time and discharging quantity, are varied around 5% for the different capsule materials. Even though aluminum thermal conductivity is much higher than HDPE and mild steel, its influence on the performance of TES system is very low due to the very high internal heat resistance of PCM material stored in the spherical capsules.
Comparison of Semi-Automated and Manual Measurements of Carotid Intima-Media Thickening
Authors: Mac Ananey Oscar , Mellotte Greg , Maher Vincent
Published: January 2014

Carotid intima-media thickening (CIMT) is a marker of both arteriosclerotic and atherosclerotic risks. Technological advances have semiautomated CIMT image acquisition and quantification. Studies comparing manual and automated methods have yielded conflicting results possibly due to plaque inclusion in measurements. Low atherosclerotic risk subjects(n=126)were recruited to minimise the effect of focal atherosclerotic lesions on CIMT variability. CIMT was assessed by high-resolution B-mode ultrasound (Philips HDX7E, Phillips, UK) images of the common carotid artery using both manual and semiautomated methods (QLAB, Phillips, UK). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the mean differences of paired measurements (Bland-Altman method) were used to compare both methodologies. The ICC of manual (0.547±0.095 mm) and automated (0.524 ± 0.068 mm) methods wasR=0.74and an absolute mean bias ± SD of0.023±0.052 mm was observed. Interobserver and intraobserver ICC were greater for automated (R=0.94and 0.99) compared to manual (R=0.72and 0.88) methods. Although not considered to be clinically significant, manual measurements yielded higher values compared to automated measurements. Automated measurements were more reproducible and showed lower interobserver variation compared to manual measurements. These results offer important considerations for large epidemiological studies.
Interaction of Some Commercial Teas with Some Carbohydrate Metabolizing Enzymes Linked with Type-2 Diabetes: A Dietary Intervention in the Prevention of Type-2 Diabetes
Authors: Oboh Ganiyu , Ogunruku Omodesola O. , Ogidiolu Funke O. , Ademiluyi Adedayo O. , Adedayo Bukola C. , Ademosun Ayokunle O.
Published: January 2014

This study is aimed at assessing the inhibitory effect of teas on key enzymes (α-amylase andα-glucosidase) linked with type-2 diabetes and their antioxidant properties. Four samples of three brands were used; infusions of green tea (GT), 2 brands of black tea (BT), and a formulated herbal preparation for diabetes (ADT) (white tea,Radix Puerariae,Radix ophiopogonis, hawthorn berry, Chinese yam, and fragrant Solomon seal rhizome) were prepared and subsequently analyzed for their total phenol, ascorbic acid contents, antioxidant properties (2,2-Azizobis (3-Ethylbenzo-Thiazoline~6-sulfonate) “ABTS” scavenging ability and ferric reducing antioxidant property), and inhibition of pancreatic-α-amylase and intestinal-α-glucosidasein vitro. The study revealed that GT had the highest total phenol content, ascorbic acid content, ABTS* scavenging ability, and ferric reducing ability. Furthermore, all the teas inhibited Fe2+and sodium nitroprusside induced lipid peroxidation in pancreas, with GT having the highest inhibitory effect. Conversely, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the inhibitory effects of the teas onα-amylase andα-glucosidase. The antidiabetic property of the teas could be attributed to their inhibitory effect on carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes implicated in diabetes and their antioxidant activities.
Brachiaria ruziziensisResponses to Different Fertilization Doses and to the Attack ofMahanarva spectabilis(Hemiptera: Cercopidae) Nymphs and Adults
Authors: Aguiar Daniela de Melo , Auad Alexander Machado , Fonseca Marcy das Graças , Leite Melissa Vieira
Published: January 2014

Cropping practices are necessary in order to help reduce the population of pest insect, such as the induction of resistance through fertilization. Therefore, this study aimed to assess alterations on the production and quality ofBrachiaria ruziziensiswhen receiving the fertilization composed by the macronutrients NPK and/or exposed to the attack ofMahanarva spectabilisnymphs and adults.B. ruziziensisplants were fertilized according to the recommendation (R), half of the recommended fertilization (H), or non-fertilization (C). They were also exposed to differentM. spectabilisnymph and adult densities. The damage, regrowth, and bromatological components were evaluated. The fertilization treatment promoted a higherM. spectabilisnymph survival onB. ruziziensis; however, it reduced the damage caused by the forage exposed to nymphs and adults of pest insect, and it did not alter the quality of the signal grass. Moreover, the fertilization treatment enabled forage recovery, even when exposed to 5 nymphs or 10 spittlebug adults.
First Report ofAprostocetus asthenogmus(Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in South America and Parasitizing Eggs of Triatominae Vectors of Chagas Disease
Authors: dos Santos Claudiney Biral , Tavares Marcelo Teixeira , Leite Gustavo Rocha , Ferreira Adelson Luiz , Rocha Leonardo de Souza , Falqueto Aloísio
Published: January 2014

We report for the first time the parasitism of eggs of two triatomine Chagas disease vectors,Triatoma infestansandT. vitticeps, by the microhymenopterous parasitoidAprostocetus asthenogmus. We also describe the first identification of this parasitoid in South America.A. asthenogmuswere captured near unparasitized triatomine colonies in the municipality of Vitória, state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, and placed into pots with recently laid triatomine eggs. After 24 days, we observed wasps emerging fromT. infestansandT. vitticepseggs. Several characteristics of this parasitoid species suggest that it could be a potential biological control agent of triatomine species.
Recursive Subspace Identification of AUV Dynamic Model under General Noise Assumption
Authors: Yan Zheping , Wu Di , Zhou Jiajia , Hao Lichao
Published: January 2014

A recursive subspace identification algorithm for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) is proposed in this paper. Due to the advantages at handling nonlinearities and couplings, the AUV model investigated here is for the first time constructed as a Hammerstein model with nonlinear feedback in the linear part. To better take the environment and sensor noises into consideration, the identification problem is concerned as an errors‐in‐variables (EIV) one which means that the identification procedure is under general noise assumption. In order to make the algorithm recursively, propagator method (PM) based subspace approach is extended into EIV framework to form the recursive identification method called PM‐EIV algorithm. With several identification experiments carried out by the AUV simulation platform, the proposed algorithm demonstrates its effectiveness and feasibility.
Numerical Solutions to Nonsmooth Dirichlet Problems Based on Lumped Mass Finite Element Discretization
Authors: Yu Haixiong , Zeng Jinping
Published: January 2014

We apply a lumped mass finite element to approximate Dirichlet problems for nonsmooth elliptic equations. It is proved that the lumped mass FEM approximation error in energy norm is the same as that of standard piecewise linear finite element approximation. Under the quasi-uniform mesh condition and the maximum angle condition, we show that the operator in the finite element problem is diagonally isotone and off-diagonally antitone. Therefore, some monotone convergent algorithms can be used. As an example, we prove that the nonsmooth Newton-like algorithm is convergent monotonically if Gauss-Seidel iteration is used to solve the Newton's equations iteratively. Some numerical experiments are presented.
Primary Systemic Al Amyloidosis Presenting as Temporal Arteritis
Authors: Emmungil Hakan , Kalfa Melike , Başarık Burcu , Kahraman Hasip , Tanhan Ferhat , Yaman Banu , Öztürk Atiye , Erdemir Zehra , Kandiloğlu Gülşen , İnal Vedat , Kabasakal Yasemin
Published: January 2014

Temporal arteritis is most common vasculitis in elderly and imitated by miscellaneous disorders. Temporal artery biopsy is the gold standard test in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA). Hereby, we describe a case of a 67-year-old man who presented initially with temporal arteritis; however, a lip biopsy then revealed AL amyloidosis. In this respect, temporal artery biopsy should be performed for definitive diagnosis of GCA particularly patients with systemic symptoms and treatment resistant.
Torsion of the Retroperitoneal Kidney: Uncommon or Underreported?
Authors: Sosin Michael , Lumeh Wuya , Cooper Matthew
Published: January 2014

Vascular torsion in a renal allograft after placement in the retroperitoneum is rare and has only been reported twice in the literature. It is an extrinsically mediated process that occurs at the vascular pedicle resulting in graft compromise and potential loss. Rapid diagnosis and immediate surgical intervention may salvage allograft function. Herein, we present a unique case of a 42-year-old male that developed renal allograft torsion following a second kidney transplant placed in the retroperitoneum. Immediate detorsion did not resolve allograft dysfunction, and a biopsy revealed acute cellular mediated rejection. After antithymocyte globulin treatment, allograft function was salvaged. A review of the current literature shows that the incidence, morbidity, and long term allograft function of intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal torsion are different. As such, torsion of the retroperitoneal kidney demonstrates encouraging allograft salvage rates. Only the third case reported to date, this serves as a contribution to the growing body of literature in retroperitoneal renal torsion and reviews the risks, medication considerations, diagnostic tests, and treatment modalities in a unique disease process.
Nigral Iron Elevation Is an Invariable Feature of Parkinson’s Disease and Is a Sufficient Cause of Neurodegeneration
Authors: Ayton Scott , Lei Peng
Published: January 2014

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor deficits accompanying degeneration of substantia nigra pars compactor (SNc) neurons. Although familial forms of the disease exist, the cause of sporadic PD is unknown. Symptomatic treatments are available for PD, but there are no disease modifying therapies. While the neurodegenerative processes in PD may be multifactorial, this paper will review the evidence that prooxidant iron elevation in the SNc is an invariable feature of sporadic and familial PD forms, participates in the disease mechanism, and presents as a tractable target for a disease modifying therapy.
Flake Electrical Conductivity of Few-Layer Graphene
Authors: Mousavi Hamze , Khodadadi Jabbar
Published: January 2014

The Kubo formula for the electrical conductivity of per stratum of few-layer graphene, up to five, is analytically calculated in both simple and Bernal structures within the tight-binding Hamiltonian model and Green's function technique, compared with the single-layer one. The results show that, by increasing the layers of the graphene as well as the interlayer hopping of the nonhybridizedpzorbitals, this conductivity decreases. Although the change in its magnitude varies less as the layer number increases to beyond two,distinguishably, at low temperatures, it exhibits a small deviation from linear behavior. Moreover, the simple bilayer graphene represents more conductivity with respect to the Bernal case.
The Mediating Role of Dysfunctional Coping in the Relationship between Beliefs about the Disease and the Level of Depression in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ziarko Michal , Mojs Ewa , Piasecki Bartosz , Samborski Wlodzimierz
Published: January 2014

Aim.Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most severe chronic diseases. In many cases it leads to disability and results in a decreased quality of life and increased levels of anxiety and depression. The problem that needs to be addressed is the following: which mental processes lead to increased levels of depression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?Methods.210 patients with rheumatoid arthritis hospitalized in rheumatology wards took part in the research. They filled in illness perception questionnaires (IPQ-R) and questionnaires for testing strategies of handling stress (Mini-COPE) and the level of depression (CES-D).Results.The observed correlation coefficients indicate that several elements of the perception of one’s disease moderately contribute to a high level of depression. Moreover, frequent use of dysfunctional coping strategies contributed to high levels of depression. Dysfunctional coping was moderately linked to depression.Conclusion.The conducted analyses confirmed the links between the beliefs about the disease and levels of depression and showed that the use of dysfunctional coping strategies mediates the relationship between the following elements of the representation of the disease:illness coherence, emotional representation, psychological attribution, risk factors,andthe level of depression.
Hypobaric Hypoxia: Effects on Intraocular Pressure and Corneal Thickness
Authors: Nebbioso Marcella , Fazio Stefano , Di Blasio Dario , Pescosolido Nicola
Published: January 2014

Objective. The purpose of this study focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying ocular hydrodynamics and the changes which occur in the eyes of subjects exposed to hypobaric hypoxia (HH) to permit the achievement of more detailed knowledge in glaucomatous disease.Methods. Twenty male subjects, aged32±5years, attending the Italian Air Force, were enrolled for this study. The research derived from hypobaric chamber, using helmet and mask supplied to jet pilotes connected to oxygen cylinder and equipped with a preset automatic mixer.Results. The baseline values of intraocular pressure (IOP), recorded at T1, showed a mean of16±2.23 mmHg, while climbing up to 18,000 feet the mean value was13.7±4.17 mmHg, recorded at T2. The last assessment was performed returning to sea level (T4) where the mean IOP value was12.8±2.57 mmHg, with a significant change (P<0.05) compared to T1. Pachymetry values related to corneal thickness in conditions of hypobarism revealed a statistically significant increase (P<0.05).Conclusions. The data collected in this research seem to confirm the increasing outflow of aqueous humor (AH) in the trabecular meshwork (TM) under conditions of HH.
Vehicle State Information Estimation with the Unscented Kalman Filter
Authors: Ren Hongbin , Chen Sizhong , Liu Gang , Zheng Kaifeng
Published: January 2014

The vehicle state information plays an important role in the vehicle active safety systems; this paper proposed a new concept to estimate the instantaneous vehicle speed, yaw rate, tire forces, and tire kinemics information in real time. The estimator is based on the 3DoF vehicle model combined with the piecewise linear tire model. The estimator is realized using the unscented Kalman filter (UKF), since it is based on the unscented transfer technique and considers high order terms during the measurement and update stage. The numerical simulations are carried out to further investigate the performance of the estimator under high friction and low friction road conditions in the MATLAB/Simulink combined with the Carsim environment. The simulation results are compared with the numerical results from Carsim software, which indicate that UKF can estimate the vehicle state information accurately and in real time; the proposed estimation will provide the necessary and reliable state information to the vehicle controller in the future.
Kinetic Evidence for Near Irreversible Nonionic Micellar Entrapment ofN-(2′-Methoxyphenyl)phthalimide (1) under the Typical Alkaline Reaction Conditions
Authors: Khan M. Niyaz , Sim Yoke-Leng , Ariffin Azhar
Published: January 2014

The values of pseudo-first-order rate constants (kobs) for alkaline hydrolysis of1, obtained at 1.0 mM NaOH and withinCmEnT(total concentration ofCmEn) range of 3.0–5.0 mM forC12E23and 10–20 mM forC18E20, fail to obey pseudophase micellar (PM) model. The values of the fraction of near irreversibleCmEnmicellar trapped1molecules (FIT1) vary in the range ~0–0.75 forC12E23and ~0–0.83 forC18E20under such conditions. The values ofFIT1become 1.0 at ≥10 mMC12E23and 50 mMC18E20. Kinetic analysis of the observed data at ≥10 mMC12E23shows near irreversible micellar entrapment of1molecules under such conditions.
Improved Extension Neural Network and Its Applications
Authors: Zhou Yu , Tian Lian , Liu Linfei
Published: January 2014

Extension neural network (ENN) is a new neural network that is a combination of extension theory and artificial neural network (ANN). The learning algorithm of ENN is based on supervised learning algorithm. One of important issues in the field of classification and recognition of ENN is how to achieve the best possible classifier with a small number of labeled training data. Training data selection is an effective approach to solve this issue. In this work, in order to improve the supervised learning performance and expand the engineering application range of ENN, we use a novel data selection method based on shadowed sets to refine the training data set of ENN. Firstly, we use clustering algorithm to label the data and induce shadowed sets. Then, in the framework of shadowed sets, the samples located around each cluster centers (core data) and the borders between clusters (boundary data) are selected as training data. Lastly, we use selected data to train ENN. Compared with traditional ENN, the proposed improved ENN (IENN) has a better performance. Moreover, IENN is independent of the supervised learning algorithms and initial labeled data. Experimental results verify the effectiveness and applicability of our proposed work.
Correlation of Interleukin-17-Producing Effector Memory T Cells and CD4+CD25+Foxp3 Regulatory T Cells with the Phosphate Levels in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Lang Cheng-Lin , Wang Min-Hui , Hung Kuan-Yu , Hsu Sung-Hao , Chiang Chih-Kang , Lu Kuo-Cheng
Published: January 2014

Background and Objectives. Hyperparathyroidism and hyperphosphatemia contribute to the inflammatory effects in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. Interleukin-17-producingCD4+effector memory T (Th17) cells and CD4+CD25+Foxp3 regulatory T (Treg) cells both play critical roles in immune activation and inflammation. We investigated the relationship between the Treg and Th17 cells and the phosphate level in chronic HD patients.Methods. 105 patients aged ≥35 years on chronic HD over 3 months were enrolled. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected, cultured, and stimulated by phytohemagglutinin-L, phorbol myristate acetate, and ionomycin at different time points for T cell differentiation.Results. The T cell differentiation was as follows: Th17 cells (mean ± standard deviation (SD): 25.61% ± 10.2%) and Treg cells (8.45% ± 4.3%). The Th17 cell differentiation was positively correlated with the phosphate and albumin levels and negatively correlated with age. The Treg cell differentiation was negatively correlated with albumin level and age. In the nondiabetes group (n=53), the Th17 cell differentiation was predominantly correlated with the phosphate and iPTH (intact parathyroid hormone) levels as well as the dialysis vintage.Conclusion. Higher phosphate and iPTH levels and longer dialysis duration may increase Th17 cell differentiation, especially in the nondiabetic chronic HD patients.
Association between Sleep Disturbances and Leisure Activities in the Elderly: A Comparison between Men and Women
Authors: Hellström Amanda , Hellström Patrik , Willman Ania , Fagerström Cecilia
Published: January 2014

It has been suggested that physical or social activity is associated with fewer sleep disturbances among elderly people. Women report more sleep disturbances than men, which could indicate a variation in activity patterns between the genders. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between sleep disturbances and leisure activities in men and women (n = 945) aged ≥60 years in a Swedish population. Sleep disturbances were measured using eight dichotomous questions and seventeen variables, covering a wide range of leisure activities. Few leisure activities were found to be associated with sleep disturbances and their importance decreased when the models were adjusted for confounders and gender interactions. After clustering the leisure activities and investigating individual activities, sociointellectual activities were shown to be significant for sleep. However, following adjustment for confounders and gender interactions, home maintenance was the only activity significant for sleep. Being a female increased the effect of home maintenance. Besides those leisure activities, poor/fair self-rated health (OR 7.50, CI: 4.27–11.81) and being female (OR 4.86, CI: 2.75–8.61) were found to have the highest association with poor sleep. Leisure activities pursued by elderly people should focus on activities of a sociointellectual nature, especially among women, to promote sleep.
Single-Machine Scheduling to Minimize Total Completion Time and Tardiness with Two Competing Agents
Authors: Lee Wen-Chiung , Shiau Yau-Ren , Chung Yu-Hsiang , Ding Lawson
Published: January 2014

We consider a single-machine two-agent problem where the objective is to minimize a weighted combination of the total completion time and the total tardiness of jobs from the first agent given that no tardy jobs are allowed for the second agent. A branch-and-bound algorithm is developed to derive the optimal sequence and two simulated annealing heuristic algorithms are proposed to search for the near-optimal solutions. Computational experiments are also conducted to evaluate the proposed branch-and-bound and simulated annealing algorithms.
Effectiveness of a Single Education and Counseling Intervention in Reducing Anxiety in Women Undergoing Hysterosalpingography: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: La Fianza Alfredo , Dellafiore Carolina , Travaini Daniele , Broglia Davide , Gambini Francesca , Scudeller Luigia , Tinelli Carmine , Caverzasi Edgardo , Brondino Natascia
Published: January 2014

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is generally considered a stressful and painful procedure; we aimed to evaluate whether a single education and counseling intervention could reduce women’s distress and pain after undergoing HSG for infertility. Patients were randomized into control group (n=108) and intervention group (n=109). All patients filled the following questionnaires before and after HSG: Zung self-rating anxiety scale (Z-SAS), Zung self-rating depression scale (Z-SDS), and an ad hoc questionnaire designed to evaluate HSG procedure knowledge. Pain was scored using a visual analog scale. The intervention consisted in a 45-minute individualised session 48 h before HSG. We observed a reduction of anxiety and depression scores in the intervention arm compared to the control group. After controlling for potential confounding variables, intervention was an independent predictor of the difference of Z-SAS score before and after HSG. This is the first randomised controlled trial to assess the potential effectiveness of a single education and counseling intervention to lower anxiety in a diagnostic setting.
Intravesical Liposome and Antisense Treatment for Detrusor Overactivity and Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome
Authors: Tyagi Pradeep , Kashyap Mahendra P. , Kawamorita Naoki , Yoshizawa Tsuyoshi , Chancellor Michael , Yoshimura Naoki
Published: January 2014

Purpose. The following review focuses on the recent advancements in intravesical drug delivery, which brings added benefit to the therapy of detrusor overactivity and interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS). Results. Intravesical route is a preferred route of administration for restricting the action of extremely potent drugs like DMSO for patients of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) and botulinum toxin for detrusor overactivity. Patients who are either refractory to oral treatment or need to mitigate the adverse effects encountered with conventional routes of administration also chose this route. Its usefulness in some cases can be limited by vehicle (carrier) toxicity or short duration of action. Efforts have been underway to overcome these limitations by developing liposome platform for intravesical delivery of biotechnological products including antisense oligonucleotides. Conclusions. Adoption of forward-thinking approaches can achieve advancements in drug delivery systems targeted to future improvement in pharmacotherapy of bladder diseases. Latest developments in the field of nanotechnology can bring this mode of therapy from second line of treatment for refractory cases to the forefront of disease management.
Chinese Medicine Shensongyangxin Is Effective for Patients with Bradycardia: Results of a Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Multicenter Trial
Authors: Liu Yunfang , Li Ning , Jia Zhenhua , Lu Feng , Pu Jielin
Published: January 2014

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Shensong Yangxin (SSYX) in patients with bradycardia arrhythmias, a randomized, double‐blind, and placebo‐controlled study was conducted. Patients with bradycardia were randomly assigned to receive either SSYX (trial group, n = 115) or placebo (control group, n = 104) for 4 weeks. ECG, 24‐hour continuous ECG recording, echocardiography, and hepatic and renal function were evaluated at baseline and after treatment. Results showed that the average heart rate, the fastest heart rate, and the lowest heart rate in the trial group were all significantly higher than those in the control group at the end of treatment (P < 0.05 or 0.01, resp.). Compared with pretreatment, the average heart rate, the fastest heart rate, and the lowest heart rate in the trial group all increased significantly after treatment (P < 0.05 or 0.01, resp.). Both the efficacy and the symptom scores in the trial group were significantly better than those in the control group after treatment (both having P < 0.01). No severe adverse effects were reported. In conclusion, SSYX treatment significantly increased the heart rate in patients with bradycardia without severe side effects. The exact mechanisms remain to be further explored.
Richtmyer-Meshkov Instability Induced Mixing Enhancement in the Scramjet Combustor with a Central Strut
Authors: Yang Qingchun , Chang Juntao , Bao Wen
Published: January 2014

Experimental and numerical study of Richtmyer-Meshkov instability (RMI) induced mixing enhancement has been conducted in a liquid-fueled scramjet engine with a central strut. To generate the RMI in the scramjet engine, transverse high temperature jets are employed downstream the strut injector. Compared to the transverse ordinary temperature jet, the jet penetration into the supersonic airstream of high temperature jet increases by 60%. The numerical results indicate that the RMI phenomenon markedly enhances the mixing efficiency (up to 43%), which is necessary to initiate the chemical reactions. Ground experiments were carried out in the combustor, which verify the numerical method from the perspective of wall pressures of the combustor. In particular, the experiment results indicate that the RMI can benefit flame-holding due to the mixing enhancement.
High Level Expression and Purification of Atl, the Major Autolytic Protein ofStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Singh Vineet K.
Published: January 2014

Staphylococcus aureusis a major human and animal pathogen. Autolysins regulate the growth, turnover, cell lysis, biofilm formation, and the pathogenicity ofS. aureus. Atl is the major autolysin inS. aureus. The biochemical and structural studies of staphylococcal Atl have been limited due to difficulty in cloning, high level overexpression, and purification of this protein. This study describes successful cloning, high level over-expression, and purification of two forms of fully functional Atl proteins. These pure proteins can be used to study the functional and structural properties of this important protein.
Characterization of Uptake and Internalization of Exosomes by Bladder Cancer Cells
Authors: Franzen Carrie A. , Simms Patricia E. , Van Huis Adam F. , Foreman Kimberly E. , Kuo Paul C. , Gupta Gopal N.
Published: January 2014

Bladder tumors represent a special therapeutic challenge as they have a high recurrence rate requiring repeated interventions and may progress to invasive or metastatic disease. Exosomes carry proteins implicated in bladder cancer progression and have been implicated in bladder cancer cell survival. Here, we characterized exosome uptake and internalization by human bladder cancer cells using Amnis ImageStreamX, an image cytometer. Exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifugation from bladder cancer culture conditioned supernatant, labeled with PKH-26, and analyzed on the ImageStreamX with an internal standard added to determine concentration. Exosomes were cocultured with bladder cancer cells and analyzed for internalization. Using the IDEAS software, we determined exosome uptake based on the number of PKH-26+ spots and overall PKH-26 fluorescence intensity. Using unlabeled beads of a known concentration and size, we were able to determine concentrations of exosomes isolated from bladder cancer cells. We measured exosome uptake by recipient bladder cancer cells, and we demonstrated that uptake is dose and time dependent. Finally, we found that uptake is active and specific, which can be partially blocked by heparin treatment. The characterization of cellular uptake and internalization by bladder cancer cells may shed light on the role of exosomes on bladder cancer recurrence and progression.
Exploring the Experience of Nursing Home Residents Participation in a Hope-Focused Group
Authors: Moore Sharon L. , Hall Susan E. , Jackson Jennifer
Published: January 2014

A qualitative intervention was used to explore how older adults living in a long-term care environment (nursing home) understand hope and experience being participants in a group in which a hope intervention was carried out. A group project in which each session focused intentionally on a hope strategy was carried out with a convenience sample of 10 women (ages 75–99) who were members of an existing group. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis of the interviews (conducted before the group intervention was carried out and again at the end), field notes, and collaborative conversations regarding emerging themes. Findings from this study suggest that hope is not static and that it can change over time in response to one’s situations and circumstances. Also evident in this study is the potential for using a group process in long-term care to foster hope in an intentional way to make it more visible in the lives of the residents and their environment suggesting that one is “never too old for hope.”
Relationship of Asymmetrical Dimethylarginine, Nitric Oxide, and Sustained Attention during Attack in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Canpolat Serpil , Kırpınar İsmet , Deveci Erdem , Aksoy Hülya , Bayraktutan Zafer , Eren İbrahim , Demir Recep , Selek Salih , Aydın Nazan
Published: January 2014

We investigated the relationship of serum nitric oxide (NO) and asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels with cognitive functioning in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). 41 MDD patients (Beck depression scale scores >16) and 44 controls were included in the study. Rey verbal learning and memory test, auditory consonant trigram test, digit span test, Wisconsin card sorting test, continuous performance task (TOVA), and Stroop test scores were found to be impaired in patients with major depressive disorder when compared to healthy controls. There was no significant difference between patient and control groups in terms of serum NO and ADMA. Serum NO levels were correlated with TOVA test error scores and Stroop test time scores, whereas serum ADMA levels were negatively correlated with TOVA test error scores. Metabolic detriments especially in relation to NO metabolism in frontal cortex and hypothalamus, psychomotor retardation, or loss of motivation may explain these deficits.
Effect of Iron/Folic Acid Supplementation on the Outcome of Malaria Episodes Treated with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine
Authors: Sazawal Sunil , Black Robert E. , Kabole Ibrahim , Dutta Arup , Dhingra Usha , Ramsan Mahdi
Published: January 2014

Folic acid supplementation may potentially alter the efficacy of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) treatment in children with malaria. However, there is lack of evidence from randomized controlled trials and effects of folic acid supplementation on clinical efficacy of SP therapy remain moderately understood among children. In a double masked, placebo-controlled trial among preschool children in Pemba Island (Tanzania), iron and folic acid supplementation (Fe/FA) showed an increased risk of hospitalizations and death. In the present paper, we evaluated if folic acid supplementation reduced the efficacy of malaria treatment and thereby contributed to observed adverse effects. During the study, 1648 children had confirmed malarial episodes and received either sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) treatment and iron folic acid or SP treatment and placebo. These children were evaluated for recovery and incidence of hospitalization during the next 15, 30, and 140 days. Two groups did not differ in malarial episode or hospitalization rate on subsequent 15, 30, and 140 days. Altered efficacy of SP by folic acid was not observed and did not contribute to adverse events in the previous trial. This trial is registered with Controlled-trials.com ISRCTN59549825.
Does Duloxetine Improve Cognitive Function Independently of Its Antidepressant Effect in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder and Subjective Reports of Cognitive Dysfunction?
Authors: Greer Tracy L. , Sunderajan Prabha , Grannemann Bruce D. , Kurian Benji T. , Trivedi Madhukar H.
Published: January 2014

Introduction. Cognitive deficits are commonly reported by patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Duloxetine, a dual serotonin/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, may improve cognitive deficits in MDD. It is unclear if cognitive improvements occur independently of antidepressant effects with standard antidepressant medications.Methods. Thirty participants with MDD who endorsed cognitive deficits at screening received 12-week duloxetine treatment. Twenty-one participants completed treatment and baseline and posttreatment cognitive testing. The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery was used to assess the following cognitive domains: attention, visual memory, executive function/set shifting and working memory, executive function/spatial planning, decision making and response control, and verbal learning and memory.Results. Completers showed significant cognitive improvements across several domains on tasks assessing psychomotor function and mental processing speed, with additional improvements in visual and verbal learning and memory, and affective decision making and response control. Overall significance tests for executive function tasks were also significant, although individual tasks were not, perhaps due to the small sample size. Most notably, cognitive improvements were observed independently of symptom reduction on all domains except verbal learning and memory.Conclusions. Patients reporting baseline cognitive deficits achieved cognitive improvements with duloxetine treatment, most of which were independent of symptomatic improvement. This trial is registered withNCT00933439.
Color Face Recognition Based on Steerable Pyramid Transform and Extreme Learning Machines
Authors: Uçar Ayşegül
Published: January 2014

This paper presents a novel color face recognition algorithm by means of fusing color and local information. The proposed algorithm fuses the multiple features derived from different color spaces. Multiorientation and multiscale information relating to the color face features are extracted by applying Steerable Pyramid Transform (SPT) to the local face regions. In this paper, the new three hybrid color spaces,YSCr,ZnSCr, andBnSCr, are firstly constructed using theCbandCrcomponent images of theYCbCrcolor space, theScolor component of theHSVcolor spaces, and theZnandBncolor components of the normalizedXYZcolor space. Secondly, the color component face images are partitioned into the local patches. Thirdly, SPT is applied to local face regions and some statistical features are extracted. Fourthly, all features are fused according to decision fusion frame and the combinations of Extreme Learning Machines classifiers are applied to achieve color face recognition with fast and high correctness. The experiments show that the proposed Local Color Steerable Pyramid Transform (LCSPT) face recognition algorithm improves seriously face recognition performance by using the new color spaces compared to the conventional and some hybrid ones. Furthermore, it achieves faster recognition compared with state-of-the-art studies.
Modeling Coral Reef Fish Home Range Movements in Dry Tortugas, Florida
Authors: Farmer Nicholas A. , Ault Jerald S.
Published: January 2014

Underestimation of reef fish space use may result in marine reserves that are too small to effectively buffer a portion of the stock from fishing mortality. Commonly used statistical home range models, such as minimum convex polygon (MCP) or 95% kernel density (95% KD) methods, require the exclusion of individuals who move beyond the bounds of the tracking study. Spatially explicit individual-based models of fish home range movements parameterized from multiple years of acoustic tracking data were developed for three exploited coral reef fishes (red grouperEpinephelus morio, black grouperMycteroperca bonaci, and mutton snapperLutjanus analis) in Dry Tortugas, Florida. Movements were characterized as a combination of probability of movement, distance moved, and turning angle. Simulations suggested that the limited temporal and geographic scope of most movement studies may underestimate home range size, especially for fish with home range centers near the edges of the array. Simulations provided useful upper bounds for home range size (red grouper:2.28±0.81 km2MCP,3.60±0.89 km2KD; black grouper:2.06±0.84 km2MCP,3.93±1.22 km2KD; mutton snapper:7.72±2.23 km2MCP,6.16±1.11 km2KD). Simulations also suggested that MCP home ranges are more robust to artifacts of passive array acoustic detection patterns than 95% KD methods.
Home Care Learning Model for Medical Students in Chile: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Garcia-Huidobro Diego , Rivera Solange , Gonzalez Carolina
Published: January 2014

Introduction. The relevance of home care training is not questioned. However, there are no reported learning models to teach in this setting.Aims. To develop and evaluate a learning model to teach home care to medical students.Methods. Stage 1: Learning Model Design.Tutors teaching home care and a sample of medical students were invited to focus groups analyzed according to the grounded theory. Later, the researchers designed the learning model, which was approved by all participants.Stage 2: Learning Assessment.All students in their family medicine internship at Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile were invited to participate in a nonrandomized before-and-after pilot trial, assessing changes in their perception towards home care and satisfaction with the learning model.Results.Stage 1:Six tutors and eight students participated in the focus groups. The learning model includes activities before, during, and after the visits.Stage 2:105 students (88.2%) participated. We observed improvement in all home care training domains (P≤0.001) and a high satisfaction with the model. Students with previous home visit experiences and who participated with nurses and social workers reported more learning.Conclusions. We report an effective learning model to train medical students in home care. Limitations and recommendations for future studies are discussed.
Buried Bumper Syndrome Revisited: A Rare but Potentially Fatal Complication of PEG Tube Placement
Authors: Biswas Saptarshi , Dontukurthy Sujana , Rosenzweig Mathew G. , Kothuru Ravi , Abrol Sunil
Published: January 2014

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has been used for providing enteral access to patients who require long-term enteral nutrition for years. Although generally considered safe, PEG tube placement can be associated with many immediate and delayed complications. Buried bumper syndrome (BBS) is one of the uncommon and late complications of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement. It occurs when the internal bumper of the PEG tube erodes into the gastric wall and lodges itself between the gastric wall and skin. This can lead to a variety of additional complications such as wound infection, peritonitis, and necrotizing fasciitis. We present here a case of buried bumper syndrome which caused extensive necrosis of the anterior abdominal wall.