bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency-Uniform Decomposition, Function Spaces , and Applications to Nonlinear Evolution Equations
Authors: Ru Shaolei , Chen Jiecheng
Published: July 2013

By combining frequency-uniform decomposition with (), we introduce a new class of function spaces (denoted by ). Moreover, we study the Cauchy problem for the generalized NLS equations and Ginzburg-Landau equations in .
High-Risk Sexual Behavior Is Associated with Postexposure Prophylaxis Nonadherence among Men Who Have Sex with Men Enrolled in a Combination Prevention Intervention
Authors: Fletcher Jesse B. , Rusow Joshua A. , Le Hung , Landovitz Raphael J. , Reback Cathy J.
Published: July 2013

Methamphetamine use among men who have sex with men (MSM) is associated with increased HIV prevalence, due to increased engagement in high-risk sexual behavior. Fifty-three HIV-negative, methamphetamine-using MSM were enrolled in a biobehavioral combination prevention intervention in Los Angeles, CA, to assess the feasibility of administering postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) in combination with contingency management (CM) to prevent HIV seroconversion. The study combined a CM behavioral intervention targeting reductions in methamphetamine use with a PEP biomedical intervention for HIV prevention. Those who reported recent exposure to HIV were initiated on tenofovir/emtricitabine- (Truvada-) based PEP (n=35). This secondary analysis sought to determine whether sexual risk taking was associated with PEP adherence. Regression analyses controlling for participant sociodemographics demonstrated that, at baseline, increased number of lifetime sexually transmitted diseases (STDs; Coef. = −0.07; 95% CI= (−0.12) – (−0.01)) and recent episodes of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI; Coef. = −0.01; 95% CI= (−.01) – (−0.002)) were associated with reductions in medication adherence. Given these associations between baseline sexual risk and PEP adherence, providers working with high-risk MSM may look to target reductions in sexual risk taking; this will reduce direct risk of HIV infection and may work to optimize medication adherence in the case of PEP initiation.
Effect of Doping Phosphorescent Material and Annealing Treatment on the Performance of Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Zixuan , Zhang Fujun
Published: July 2013

A series of polymer solar cells (PSCs) with P3HT:PCBM or P3HT:PCBM:Ir(btpy)3blend films as the active layer were fabricated under the same conditions. Effects of phosphorescent material Ir(btpy)3doping concentration and annealing temperature on the performance of PSCs were investigated. The short-circuit current density (Jsc) and open-circuit voltage (Voc) are increased by adopting P3HT:PCBM:Ir(btpy)3blend films as the active layer when the cells do not undergo annealing treatment. The increasedJscshould be attributed to the increase of photon harvesting induced by doping phosphorescent material Ir(btpy)3and the effective energy transfer from Ir(btpy)3to P3HT. The effective energy transfer from Ir(btpy)3to P3HT was demonstrated by time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The increasedVocis due to the photovoltaic effect between Ir(btpy)3and PCBM. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs with P3HT:PCBM as the active layer is increased from 0.19% to 1.49% by annealing treatment at 140°C for 10 minutes. The PCE of PSCs with P3HT:PCBM:Ir(btpy)3as the active layer is increased from 0.49% to 0.95% by annealing treatment at lower temperature at 100°C for 10 minutes.
Biodegradation of Polyethoxylated Nonylphenols
Authors: Ruiz Yassellis , Medina Luis , Borusiak Margarita , Ramos Nairalith , Pinto Gilberto , Valbuena Oscar
Published: July 2013

Polyethoxylated nonylphenols, with different ethoxylation degrees (), are incorporated into many commercial and industrial products such as detergents, domestic disinfectants, emulsifiers, cosmetics, and pesticides. However, the toxic effects exerted by their degradation products, which are persistent in natural environments, have been demonstrated in several animal and invertebrate aquatic species. Therefore, it seems appropriate to look for indigenous bacteria capable of degrading native and its derivatives. In this paper, the isolation of five bacterial strains, capable of using , as unique carbon source, is described. The most efficient degrader bacterial strains were identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens (strain Yas2) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (strain Yas1). Maximal growth rates were reached at pH 8, 27°C in a 5% medium. The degradation extension, followed by viscometry assays, reached 65% after 54.5 h and 134 h incubation times, while the COD values decreased by 95% and 85% after 24 h for the Yas1 and Yas2 systems, respectively. The BOD was reduced by 99% and 99.9% levels in 24 h and 48 h incubations. The viscosity data indicated that the biodegradation by Yas2 follows first-order kinetics. Kinetic rate constant () and half life time () for this biotransformation were estimated to be 0.0072 h−1 and 96.3 h, respectively.
The Supraorbital Keyhole Craniotomy through an Eyebrow Incision: Its Origins and Evolution
Authors: Ormond D. Ryan , Hadjipanayis Costas G.
Published: July 2013

In the modern era of neurosurgery, the use of the operative microscope, rigid rod-lens endoscope, and neuronavigation has helped to overcome some of the previous limitations of surgery due to poor lighting and anatomic localization available to the surgeon. Over the last thirty years, the supraorbital craniotomy and subfrontal approach through an eyebrow incision have been developed and refined to play a legitimate role in the armamentarium of the modern skull base neurosurgeon. With careful patient selection, the supraorbital “keyhole” approach offers a less invasive but still efficacious approach to a number of lesions along the subfrontal corridor. Well over 1000 cases have been reported in the literature utilizing this approach establishing its safety and efficacy. This paper discusses the nuances of this approach, including the benefits and limitations of its use described through our technique, review of the literature, and case illustration.
Clinical Validation of a Highly Sensitive GC-MS Platform for Routine Urine Drug Screening and Real-Time Reporting of up to 212 Drugs
Authors: Nair Hari , Woo Fred , Hoofnagle Andrew N. , Baird Geoffrey S.
Published: July 2013

An important role of the clinical toxicology laboratory is to provide continuous diagnostic testing for patients with altered mental status and for other medical indications. To meet these needs, we have developed a new Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) platform that facilitates routine screening and automated reporting of 212 drugs by laboratory technologists around the clock without the need to sign out by an on-site mass spectrometry-trained toxicologist. The platform uses a programmable temperature vaporizer (PTV) injector for large sample volume injection and the free software Automated Mass Spectral Deconvolution and Identification System (AMDIS) for data reduction and spectral matching that facilitates rapid library searching and analyte identification. Method comparison with 118 patient samples demonstrated that this platform and data searching algorithm independently provided improvements in sensitivity compared to an established GC-MS platform. Further examination of the role of the data processing software and the in-house databases used in the established versus the new platform demonstrated that the improved analytical sensitivity of the new platform was attributed to both the technical superiority of the new GC-MS instrumentation and the use of AMDIS in conjunction with the newly generated in-house library for data processing.
Weighted-Bit-Flipping-Based Sequential Scheduling Decoding Algorithms for LDPC Codes
Authors: Zhu Qing , Wu Le-nan
Published: July 2013

Low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes can be applied in a lot of different scenarios such as video broadcasting and satellite communications. LDPC codes are commonly decoded by an iterative algorithm called belief propagation (BP) over the corresponding Tanner graph. The original BP updates all the variable-nodes simultaneously, followed by all the check-nodes simultaneously as well. We propose a sequential scheduling algorithm based on weighted bit-flipping (WBF) algorithm for the sake of improving the convergence speed. Notoriously, WBF is a low-complexity and simple algorithm. We combine it with BP to obtain advantages of these two algorithms. Flipping function used in WBF is borrowed to determine the priority of scheduling. Simulation results show that it can provide a good tradeoff between FER performance and computation complexity for short-length LDPC codes.
DeqiSensations of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Auricular Points
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , Fang Jiliang , Zhao Qing , Fan Yangyang , Liu Jun , Hong Yang , Wang Honghong , Ma Yunyao , Xu Chunhua , Shi Shan , Kong Jian , Rong Peijing
Published: July 2013

Deqisensation, a psychophysical response characterized by a spectrum of different needling sensations, is essential for Chinese acupuncture clinical efficacy. Previous research works have investigated the component ofDeqiresponse upon acupuncture on acupoints on the trunk and limbs. However, the characteristics ofDeqisensations of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on auricular points are seldom reported. In this study, we investigated the individual components ofDeqiduring TENS on auricular concha area and the superior scapha using quantitative measurements in the healthy subjects and depression patients. The most striking characteristics ofDeqisensations upon TENS on auricular points were tingling, numbness, and fullness. The frequencies of pressure, warmness, heaviness, and soreness were relatively lower. The dull pain and coolness are rare. The characteristics ofDeqiwere similar for the TENS on concha and on the superior scapha.
Oscillation for a Class of Fractional Differential Equation
Authors: Han Zhenlai , Zhao Yige , Sun Ying , Zhang Chao
Published: July 2013

We consider the oscillation for a class of fractional differential equation[r(t)g(D-αy)(t)]'-p(t)f∫t∞‍(s-t)-αy(s)ds=0,fort>0,where0<α<1is a real number andD-αyis the Liouville right-sided fractional derivative of orderαofy. By generalized Riccati transformation technique, oscillation criteria for a class of nonlinear fractional differential equation are obtained.
Robust Active Disturbance Rejection Control Approach to Maximize Energy Capture in Variable-Speed Wind Turbines
Authors: Coral-Enriquez Horacio , Cortés-Romero John , Ramos Germán A.
Published: July 2013

This paper proposes an alternative robust observer-based linear control technique to maximize energy capture in a 4.8 MW horizontal-axis variable-speed wind turbine. The proposed strategy uses a generalized proportional integral (GPI) observer to reconstruct the aerodynamic torque in order to obtain a generator speed optimal trajectory. Then, a robust GPI observer-based controller supported by an active disturbance rejection (ADR) approach allows asymptotic tracking of the generator speed optimal trajectory. The proposed methodology controls the power coefficient, via the generator angular speed, towards an optimum point at which power coefficient is maximum. Several simulations (including an actuator fault) are performed on a 4.8 MW wind turbine benchmark model in order to validate the proposed control strategy and to compare it to a classical controller. Simulation and validation results show that the proposed control strategy is effective in terms of power capture and robustness.
Biopsy with the New Essen Biopsy Forceps
Authors: Traine Peter G. , Schedler Katharina J. E. , Brusa Mariuccia G. S. , Rodrigues Eduardo B.
Published: July 2013

Purpose. To present initial experience with a novel biopsy method, the Essen biopsy forceps. Therefore, two patients with diagnostic suspicion of uveal melanoma underwent biopsy for histopathological confirmation.Case Presentation. Two patients presented with painless unilateral vision reduction. Ultrasound revealed the diagnostic suspicion of uveal melanoma. Therefore, biopsy with the Essen biopsy forceps using a sutureless 23-gauge three-port vitrectomy system was performed. The specimens were then submitted to a pathologist and processed. Histopathology of the obtained specimen confirmed the diagnostic suspicion of choroid melanoma in both patients.Conclusion. Essen biopsy forceps is a very practicable alternative method to the FNAB, allowing a combined histopathological and immunohistochemical examination for achieving high diagnostic accuracy at minimal risk.
Can We Trust the Internet to Measure Psychotic Symptoms?
Authors: Moritz Steffen , Van Quaquebeke Niels , Lincoln Tania M. , Köther Ulf , Andreou Christina
Published: July 2013

Online studies are increasingly utilized in applied research. However, lack of external diagnostic verification in many of these investigations is seen as a threat to the reliability of the data. The present study examined the robustness of internet studies on psychosis against simulation. We compared the psychometric properties of the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences scale (CAPE), a self-report instrument measuring psychotic symptoms, across three independent samples: (1) participants with a confirmed diagnosis of schizophrenia, (2) participants with self-reported schizophrenia who were recruited over the internet, and (3) clinical experts on schizophrenia as well as students who were asked to simulate a person with schizophrenia when completing the CAPE. The CAPE was complemented by a newly developed 4-item psychosis lie scale. Results demonstrate that experts asked to simulate schizophrenia symptoms could be distinguished from real patients: simulators overreported positive symptoms and showed elevated scores on the psychosis lie scale. The present study suggests that simulated answers in online studies on psychosis can be distinguished from authentic responses. Researchers conducting clinical online studies are advised to adopt a number of methodological precautions and to compare the psychometric properties of online studies to established clinical indices to assert the validity of their results.
Global Attractor for a Chemotaxis Model with Reaction Term
Authors: Chen Xueyong , Shen Jianwei
Published: July 2013

A chemotaxis model with reproduction term in a bounded domainΩ⊂Rnis discussed in this paper, wheren=2,3. First, the existence of a global-in-time solution is given, and then a global attractor for this model is obtained.
Behavioral Profiles of Clinically Referred Children with Intellectual Giftedness
Authors: Guénolé Fabian , Louis Jacqueline , Creveuil Christian , Baleyte Jean-Marc , Montlahuc Claire , Fourneret Pierre , Revol Olivier
Published: July 2013

It is common that intellectually gifted children—that is, children with an IQ ≥ 130—are referred to paediatric or child neuropsychiatry clinics for socio-emotional problems and/or school underachievement or maladjustment. These clinically-referred children with intellectual giftedness are thought to typically display internalizing problems (i.e., self-focused problems reflecting overcontrol of emotion and behavior), and to be more behaviorally impaired when “highly” gifted (IQ ≥ 145) or displaying developmental asynchrony (i.e., a heterogeneous developmental pattern, reflected in a significant verbal-performance discrepancy on IQ tests). We tested all these assumptions in 143 clinically-referred gifted children aged 8 to 12, using Wechsler’s intelligence profile and the Child Behavior Checklist. Compared to a normative sample, gifted children displayed increased behavioral problems in the whole symptomatic range. Internalizing problems did not predominate over externalizing ones (i.e., acted-out problems, reflecting undercontrol of emotion and behavior), revealing a symptomatic nature of behavioral syndromes more severe than expected. “Highly gifted” children did not display more behavioral problems than the “low gifted.” Gifted children with a significant verbal-performance discrepancy displayed more externalizing problems and mixed behavioral syndromes than gifted children without such a discrepancy. These results suggest that developmental asynchrony matters when examining emotional and behavioral problems in gifted children.
Fractional Variational Iteration Method and Its Application to Fractional Partial Differential Equation
Authors: Elbeleze Asma Ali , Kılıçman Adem , Taib Bachok M.
Published: July 2013

We use the fractional variational iteration method (FVIM) with modified Riemann-Liouville derivative to solve some equations in fluid mechanics and in financial models. The fractional derivatives are described in Riemann-Liouville sense. To show the efficiency of the considered method, some examples that include the fractional Klein-Gordon equation, fractional Burgers equation, and fractional Black-Scholes equation are investigated.
Bayesian Hierarchical Modeling for Categorical Longitudinal Data from Sedation Measurements
Authors: Terzi Erol , Cengiz Mehmet Ali
Published: July 2013

We investigate a Bayesian hierarchical model for the analysis of categorical longitudinal data from sedation measurement for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computerized Tomography (CT). Data for each patient is observed at different time points within the time up to 60 min. A model for the sedation level of patients is developed by introducing, at the first stage of a hierarchical model, a multinomial model for the response, and then subsequent terms are introduced. To estimate the model, we use the Gibbs sampling given some appropriate prior distributions.
Anti-Glycine Receptor Antibody Mediated Progressive Encephalomyelitis with Rigidity and Myoclonus Associated with Breast Cancer
Authors: De Blauwe Sofie N. , Santens Patrick , Vanopdenbosch Ludo J.
Published: July 2013

We describe a 66-year-old woman who presented with a dramatic course of PERM. Anti-glycine receptor antibodies were found. She stabilized after plasma-exchange and partly recovered. Eighteen months later, a diagnosis of smouldering breast cancer with bone marrow metastasis was made. There are indications that this tumor was already present at first presentation. An overview of PERM and anti-glycine receptor antibodies is given.
Screening for Salt Tolerance in Eight Halophyte Species from Yellow River Delta at the Two Initial Growth Stages
Authors: Xianzhao Liu , Chunzhi Wang , Qing Su
Published: July 2013

Screening of available local halophytes for salinity tolerance is of considerable economic value for the utilization of heavy salt-affected lands in coastal tidal-flat areas and other saline areas. In this study, the germination and seedling pot experiments on salt tolerance of eight halophytic species from Yellow River Delta, China, at seven NaCl concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 mM), were conducted at both growth stages. Results showed that germination rate and germination index decreased with an increase in NaCl concentration. The higher germination rates were obtained from Tamarix chinensis and Suaeda salsa seeds exposed to 0~200 mM NaCl. At the seedling stage, the salt tolerances of eight halophytes were also different from each other. Tamarix chinensis had significantly greater fresh biomass and plant height in relative terms than the others in all salt treatments. The order of the relative growth yield in seedling was Tamarix chinensis > Suaeda salsa > Salicornia europaea > Limonium bicolor > Atriplex isatidea > Apocynum venetum > Phragmites australis > Sesbania cannabina. The comprehensive analysis showed that Tamarix chinensis had the highest tolerance to salt, followed by Suaeda salsa, and the salt tolerance of Sesbania cannabina was the lowest.
Atypical Chest X-Ray Calcification in an Idiopathic Constrictive Pericarditis Case
Authors: Coşkun Uğur , Canbolat İsmail Polat , Sinan Ümit Yaşar , Bostan Cem , Kılıçkesmez Kadriye , Yıldız Ahmet , Başkurt Murat , Turhan Çağlar Fatma Nihan , Hatemi Alican , Yıldız Cenk Eray , Cöhcen Sadettin , Gürmen Aziz Tevfik , Küçükoğlu Mehmet Serdar
Published: July 2013

Constrictive pericarditis is an uncommon cause of heart failure. It is a clinical entity caused by thickening, fibrosis, and/or calcification of the pericardium. We present a 50-year-old female patient who was admitted to our institution with a 6-month history of progressive dyspnea on exertion, abdominal swelling, and lower extremity edema. Her chest X-ray revealed an oblique linear calcification in the cardiac silhouette. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed biatrial enlargement. Left ventricular size and systolic function were normal. Cardiac computed tomography revealed the pericardial thickening (>5 mm) and heavy calcification in left atrioventricular groove. Simultaneous right and left heart catheterization showed elevation and equalization of right-sided and left-sided diastolic filling pressures, with characteristic dip, and plateau. Pericardiectomy was performed which revealed a thick, fibrous, calcified, and densely adherent pericardium constricting the heart. The postoperative period was uneventful and was in NYHA functional class I after 3 months.
Role of Monoaminergic System in the Etiology of Olive Oil Induced Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Effects in Rats
Authors: Perveen Tahira , Hashmi Bilal Moiz , Haider Saida , Tabassum Saiqa , Saleem Sadia , Siddiqui Munnawar Ahmed
Published: July 2013

Olive oil is the major component of the Mediterranean diet and has rich history of nutritional and medicinal uses. In the present study, the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects and their neurochemical basis following repeated administration of extravirgin olive oil were monitored. Male albino Wistar rats were used during study. Animals of test group were given olive oil orally at the dose of 0.25 mL/kg daily for 4 weeks. Control rats received equal volume of water. Elevated-plus maze (EPM) test and forced swim test (FST) were performed for the assessment of anxiety and depression like symptoms. An increase in time spent in open arm in EPM and increased struggling time in FST following long-term administration of olive oil indicate that olive oil has anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. Neurochemical results showed that repeated administration of olive oil decreased the levels of brain 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine), 5-HIAA (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid), and levels of DA (dopamine); however, levels of DA metabolite HVA (homovalinic acid) were increased. Hence, present findings suggest that olive oil has neuroprotective effects. It reduces behavioral deficits via altering 5-HT and DA metabolism. So it could be used as a therapeutic substance for the treatment of depression and anxiety.
Estimation Model of Soil Freeze‐Thaw Erosion in Silingco Watershed Wetland of Northern Tibet
Authors: Kong Bo , Yu Huan
Published: July 2013

The freeze‐thaw (FT) erosion is a type of soil erosion like water erosion and wind erosion. Limited by many factors, the grading evaluation of soil FT erosion quantities is not well studied. Based on the comprehensive analysis of the evaluation indices of soil FT erosion, we for the first time utilized the sensitivity of microwave remote sensing technology to soil moisture for identification of FT state. We established an estimation model suitable to evaluate the soil FT erosion quantity in Silingco watershed wetland of Northern Tibet using weighted summation method of six impact factors including the annual FT cycle days, average diurnal FT phase‐changed water content, average annual precipitation, slope, aspect, and vegetation coverage. Finally, with the support of GIS, we classified soil FT erosion quantity in Silingco watershed wetland. The results showed that soil FT erosion are distributed in broad areas of Silingco watershed wetland. Different soil FT erosions with different intensities have evidently different spatial and geographical distributions.
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: The Secret World of Women as Seen by Men
Authors: Kaplan Adriana , Cham Babucarr , Njie Lamin A. , Seixas Ana , Blanco Sandra , Utzet Mireia
Published: July 2013

Efforts aimed at the abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in the communities where it is deeply rooted have extensively considered and addressed women’s perceptions on the issue, leaving those of men barely acknowledged. Although the practice is generally confined to the secret world of women, it does not mean that men cannot be influential. Indeed, men can play an important role in prevention. In order to address this gap, and having as background an extensive ethnographic field work, a transversal descriptive study was designed to explore Gambian men’s knowledge and attitudes towards FGM/C, as well as related practices in their family/household. Results show ethnic identity, more than religion, as the decisive shaping factor on how men conceive and value FGM/C. The greater support towards the practice is found among traditionally practicing groups. A substantial proportion of men intend to have it performed on their daughters, although reporting a low involvement in the decision making process, with very few taking alone the final decision. Only a minority is aware of FGM/C health consequences, but those who understand its negative impact on the health and well-being of girls and women are quite willing to play a role in its prevention.
Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Nasal Septum
Authors: Okumura Yuri , Nomura Kazuhiro , Oshima Takeshi , Kasajima Atsuko , Suzuki Takahiro , Ishida Eichi , Kobayashi Toshimitsu
Published: July 2013

We report an extremely rare case of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the posterior edge of the nasal septum. An 11-year-old boy presented with frequent epistaxis and nasal obstruction persisting for one year. Based on the clinical presentation and imaging studies, juvenile angiofibroma was suspected, but angiography suggested the possibility of another type of tumor. Transnasal endoscopic surgery found that the tumor protruded into the nasopharynx from the posterior end of the nasal septum. Histological examination identified spindle cells with immunoreaction for vimentin, smooth muscle actin, and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), but not for desmin and cytokeratin. This is a report of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor mimicking juvenile angiofibroma. This case suggests that angiography is helpful in the differential diagnosis of epipharyngeal tumor in adolescence.
Controlling Nonlinear Behavior in Current Mode Controlled Boost Converter Based on the Monodromy Matrix
Authors: Imrayed Otman , Daho Ibrahim , Amreiz H. M.
Published: July 2013

Recently it has been observed that power electronic converters working under current mode control exhibit codimensional-2 bifurcations through the interaction of their slow-scale and fast-scale dynamics. In this paper, the authors further probe this phenomenon with the use of the saltation matrix instead of the Poincaré map. Using this method, the authors are able to study and analyze more exotic bifurcation phenomena that occur in cascade current mode controlled boost converter. Finally, we propose two control strategies that guarantee the stable period-one operation. Numerical and analytical results validate our analysis.
Adaptive Neuron-Like Control of Time-Delay Systems Enhanced with Feedforward and Supervisory Strategies
Authors: Chang Yau-Zen , Hou Jung-Fu , Tsai Zhi-Ren
Published: July 2013

Tracking control of nonlinear systems with significant delay effects has been the focus of intensive research. In this paper, we propose an effective supervised adaptive control scheme to tackle the problem. The scheme is composed of an adaptive control part of two neuron-like models with delay effects and a supervisory control part to enhance robustness against disturbance and model uncertainties. A design methodology based on the Lyapunov analysis is presented. Experimental results obtained from a practical temperature control system show that not only is the design procedure conceptually simple but also the control performance is also excellent when compared with the traditional PD controller. Also, the feedforward term is able to provide extra improvement in the regulation performance.
Pomegranate Polyphenols Lower Lipid Peroxidation in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes but Have No Effects in Healthy Volunteers: A Pilot Study
Authors: Basu Arpita , Newman Emily D. , Bryant Alecia L. , Lyons Timothy J. , Betts Nancy M.
Published: July 2013

Aims. To examine the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of pomegranate polyphenols in obese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) (n=8) and in healthy nondiabetic controls (n=9).Methods. Participants received 2 capsules of pomegranate polyphenols (POMx, 1 capsule = 753 mg polyphenols) daily for 4 weeks. Blood draws and anthropometrics were performed at baseline and at 4 weeks of the study.Results. Pomegranate polyphenols in healthy controls and in T2DM patients did not significantly affect body weight and blood pressure, glucose and lipids. Among clinical safety profiles, serum electrolytes, renal function tests, and hematological profiles were not significantly affected by POMx supplementation. However, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) showed a significant increase in healthy controls, while alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was significantly decreased in T2DM patients at 4 weeks (P<0.05), though values remained within the normal ranges. Among the biomarkers of lipid oxidation and inflammation, oxidized LDL and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) did not differ at 4 weeks in either group, while pomegranate polyphenols significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydroxynonenal (HNE) only in the diabetic group versus baseline (P<0.05).Conclusions. POMx reduces lipid peroxidation in patients with T2DM, but with no effects in healthy controls, and specifically modulates liver enzymes in diabetic and nondiabetic subjects. Larger clinical trials are merited.
A Transformation-Based Approach to Implication of GSTE Assertion Graphs
Authors: Yang Guowu , Hung William N. N. , Song Xiaoyu , Guo Wensheng
Published: July 2013

Generalized symbolic trajectory evaluation (GSTE) is a model checking approach and has successfully demonstrated its powerful capacity in formal verification of VLSI systems. GSTE is an extension of symbolic trajectory evaluation (STE) to the model checking ofω-regular properties. It is an alternative to classical model checking algorithms where properties are specified as finite-state automata. In GSTE, properties are specified as assertion graphs, which are labeled directed graphs where each edge is labeled with two labeling functions: antecedent and consequent. In this paper, we show the complement relation between GSTE assertion graphs and finite-state automata with the expressiveness of regular languages andω-regular languages. We present an algorithm that transforms a GSTE assertion graph to a finite-state automaton and vice versa. By applying this algorithm, we transform the problem of GSTE assertion graphs implication to the problem of automata language containment. We demonstrate our approach with its application to verification of an FIFO circuit.
Novel t(5;19) Translocation in a Patient with PDGFRB Associated Chronic Leukemia: Implications for Treatment Strategy
Authors: Provenzano Joel D. , Kuebler J. Phillip
Published: July 2013

Myeloproliferative disorders are variable disorders, based on the genetic abnormality present and the cell line progenitors that are affected. In this case, we discuss a novel gene translocation in the subset of PDGFRB mutations, first seen with prominent hyperbasophilia. This case demonstrates the possibility for lower therapeutic doses of imatinib mesylate than previously reported, in order to control leukocyte counts and reverse the genetic mutation.
Self‐Catalytic Growth of Tin Oxide Nanowires by Chemical Vapor Deposition Process
Authors: Thabethe Bongani S. , Malgas Gerald F. , Motaung David E. , Malwela Thomas , Arendse Christopher J.
Published: July 2013

We report on the synthesis of tin oxide (SnO2) nanowires by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. Commercially bought SnO nanopowders were vaporized at 1050°C for 30 minutes with argon gas continuously passing through the system. The as‐synthesized products were characterized using UV‐visible absorption spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The band gap of the nanowires determined from UV‐visible absorption was around 3.7 eV. The SEM micrographs revealed “wool‐like” structure which contains nanoribbons and nanowires with liquid droplets at the tips. Nanowires typically have diameter in the range of 50–200 nm and length 10–100 μm. These nanowires followed the vapor‐liquid‐solid (VLS) growth mechanism.
A Simple Perturbation Algorithm for Inverting the Cartesian to Geodetic Transformation
Authors: Turner James D. , Elgohary Tarek
Published: July 2013

A singularity-free perturbation solution is presented for inverting the Cartesian to Geodetic transformation. Geocentric latitude is used to model the satellite ground track position vector. A natural geometric perturbation variable is identified as the ratio of the major and minor Earth ellipse radii minus one. A rapidly converging perturbation solution is developed by expanding the satellite height above the Earth and the geocentric latitude as a perturbation power series in the geometric perturbation variable. The solution avoids the classical problem encountered of having to deal with highly nonlinear solutions for quartic equations. Simulation results are presented that compare the solution accuracy and algorithm performance for applications spanning the LEO-to-GEO range of missions.
Wellbore Stability in Oil and Gas Drilling with Chemical‐Mechanical Coupling
Authors: Yan Chuanliang , Deng Jingen , Yu Baohua
Published: July 2013

Wellbore instability in oil and gas drilling is resulted from both mechanical and chemical factors. Hydration is produced in shale formation owing to the influence of the chemical property of drilling fluid. A new experimental method to measure diffusion coefficient of shale hydration is given, and the calculation method of experimental results is introduced. The diffusion coefficient of shale hydration is measured with the downhole temperature and pressure condition, then the penetration migrate law of drilling fluid filtrate around the wellbore is calculated. Furthermore, the changing rules of shale mechanical properties affected by hydration and water absorption are studied through experiments. The relationships between shale mechanical parameters and the water content are established. The wellbore stability model chemical‐mechanical coupling is obtained based on the experimental results. Under the action of drilling fluid, hydration makes the shale formation softened and produced the swelling strain after drilling. This will lead to the collapse pressure increases after drilling. The study results provide a reference for studying hydration collapse period of shale.
p38 MAPK Signaling in Pemphigus: Implications for Skin Autoimmunity
Authors: Mavropoulos Athanasios , Orfanidou Timoklia , Liaskos Christos , Smyk Daniel S. , Spyrou Vassiliki , Sakkas Lazaros I. , Rigopoulou Eirini I. , Bogdanos Dimitrios P.
Published: July 2013

p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling plays a major role in the modulation of immune-mediated inflammatory responses and therefore has been linked with several autoimmune diseases. The extent of the involvement of p38 MAPK in the pathogenesis of autoimmune blistering diseases has started to emerge, but whether it pays a critical role is a matter of debate. The activity of p38 MAPK has been studied in great detail during the loss of keratinocyte cell-cell adhesions and the development of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF). These diseases are characterised by autoantibodies targeting desmogleins (Dsg). Whether autoantibody-antigen interactions can trigger signaling pathways (such as p38 MAPK) that are tightly linked to the secretion of inflammatory mediators which may perpetuate inflammation and tissue damage in pemphigus remains unclear. Yet, the ability of p38 MAPK inhibitors to block activation of the proapoptotic proteinase caspase-3 suggests that the induction of apoptosis may be a consequence of p38 MAPK activation during acantholysis in PV. This review discusses the current evidence for the role of p38 MAPK in the pathogenesis of pemphigus. We will also present data relating to the targeting of these cascades as a means of therapeutic intervention.
On Twisted Products Finsler Manifolds
Authors: Peyghan E. , Tayebi A. , Nourmohammadi Far L.
Published: July 2013

On the product of two Finsler manifolds , we consider the twisted metric which is constructed by using Finsler metrics and on the manifolds and , respectively. We introduce horizontal and vertical distributions on twisted product Finsler manifold and study C-reducible and semi-C-reducible properties of this manifold. Then we obtain the Riemannian curvature and some of non-Riemannian curvatures of the twisted product Finsler manifold such as Berwald curvature, mean Berwald curvature, and we find the relations between these objects and their corresponding objects on and . Finally, we study locally dually flat twisted product Finsler manifold.
Statistical and Spectral Analysis of Wind Characteristics Relevant to Wind Energy Assessment Using Tower Measurements in Complex Terrain
Authors: Belu Radian , Koracin Darko
Published: July 2013

The main objective of the study was to investigate spatial and temporal characteristics of the wind speed and direction in complex terrain that are relevant to wind energy assessment and development, as well as to wind energy system operation, management, and grid integration. Wind data from five tall meteorological towers located in Western Nevada, USA, operated from August 2003 to March 2008, used in the analysis. The multiannual average wind speeds did not show significant increased trend with increasing elevation, while the turbulence intensity slowly decreased with an increase were the average wind speed. The wind speed and direction were modeled using the Weibull and the von Mises distribution functions. The correlations show a strong coherence between the wind speed and direction with slowly decreasing amplitude of the multiday periodicity with increasing lag periods. The spectral analysis shows significant annual periodicity with similar characteristics at all locations. The relatively high correlations between the towers and small range of the computed turbulence intensity indicate that wind variability is dominated by the regional synoptic processes. Knowledge and information about daily, seasonal, and annual wind periodicities are very important for wind energy resource assessment, wind power plant operation, management, and grid integration.
A New Approach for Solving Weight Functions of Electromagnetic Flowmeters Using Resistive Network Modeling
Authors: Yin Shiyi , Li Bin
Published: July 2013

The contribution of the flow signal is generally addressed by the weight function in the researches of the electromagnetic flowmeters, and various mathematical technologies were concentrated on the methodologies for solving the value of the weight function. However, it is still difficult to avoid the abstruse mathematical theories and the complex calculation when the solution domain is irregular in shape. This paper treats the problem within the intuitive physical perspective, and the approach, in which the proportion of the current is considered as the substitute for the weight function with the hypothetic current excitation source, is presented. A simple mathematical modeling of the current is built by means of the resistive network without the redundant assumption, and the strict mathematical derivation for the conventional asymmetric flow in the circular flowmeter is made to verify the feasibility and the correctness of the approach. The distributions of the weight function in various situations are obtained with the simulation employed, using the resistive network modeling, and the advantages of the approach are discussed.
Intraoperative Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: A Coincidence or Precipitation?
Authors: Subedi Asish , Bhattarai Balkrishna
Published: July 2013

As the prevalence of alcohol dependence is approximately half in surgical patients with an alcohol use disorder, anesthetist often encounters such patients in the perioperative settings. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is one of the most feared complications of alcohol dependence and can be fatal if not managed actively. A 61-year-old man, alcoholic with 50 h of abstinence before surgery, received spinal anesthesia for surgery for femoral neck fracture. To facilitate positioning for spinal anesthesia, fascia iliaca compartmental block with 0.25% bupivacaine (30 mL) was administered 30 min prior to spinal block. Later, in the intraoperative period the patient developed AWS; however, the features were similar to that of local anesthetic toxicity. The case was successfully managed with intravenous midazolam, esmolol, and propofol infusion. Due to similarity of clinical features of AWS and mild local anesthetic toxicity, an anesthetist should be in a position to differentiate the condition promptly and manage it aggressively.
Weak KAM Solutions of a Discrete-Time Hamilton-Jacobi Equation in a Minimax Framework
Authors: Toledo Porfirio
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this paper is to study the existence of solutions of a Hamilton-Jacobi equation in a minimax discrete-time case and to show different characterizations for a real number called the critical value, which plays a central role in this work. We study the behavior of solutions of this problem using tools of game theory to obtain a “fixed point” of the Lax operator associated, considering some facts of weak KAM theory to interpret these solutions as discrete viscosity solutions. These solutions represent the optimal payoff of a zero-sum game of two players, with increasingly long time payoffs. The developed techniques allow us to study the behavior of an infinite time game without using discount factors or average actions.
Pulmonary and Meningeal Cryptococcosis after Corticosteroid Therapy for Autoimmune Hepatitis: Coexistence of Cryptococci within Pulmonary Cancer Nodule
Authors: Yuri Takashi , Kimura Ayako , Yoshizawa Katsuhiko , Emoto Yuko , Kinoshita Yuichi , Tsubura Airo
Published: July 2013

A case of autoimmune hepatitis complicated with pulmonary and meningeal cryptococcosis during long-term treatment with corticosteroid is reported. An 84-year-old woman who received long-term corticosteroid therapy (40 mg/day prednisolone for two years) for autoimmune hepatitis developed a headache, slight fever, and anorexia and was diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis two months prior to hospital admission. Due to deterioration of her condition, the patient was transferred to our university hospital. After admission, a pulmonary nodule 1 cm in diameter was noticed in the patient’s right lower lobe. Cryptococcal meningitis was diagnosed as positive for cryptococcal antigen from both serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as well as the growth ofCryptococcus neoformans(C. neoformans) in fungal culture. A combination therapy of amphotericin B and flucytosine was started, and the corticosteroid therapy was gradually reduced and finally discontinued. In addition to continuous cryptococcal infection, complications ofPseudomonas aeruginosaand methicillin-resistanceStaphylococcus aureusinfection caused death after a 2-month hospitalization. Autopsy disclosed encapsulated yeast in the lungs and subarachnoid space characteristic ofCryptococcus. The pulmonary nodule was found to be squamous cell carcinoma coexisting withC. neoformanswithin and around the cancer cell nests.
The Oncoplacental Gene Placenta-Specific Protein 1 Is Highly Expressed in Endometrial Tumors and Cell Lines
Authors: Devor Eric J. , Leslie Kimberly K.
Published: July 2013

Placenta-specific protein 1 (PLAC1) is a small secreted protein expressed exclusively in trophoblast cells in the mammalian placenta. PLAC1 is expressed early in gestation and is maintained throughout. It is thought to function in trophoblast invasion of the uterine epithelium and, subsequently, to anchor the placenta to the epithelium. In recent years, evidence has accumulated that PLAC1 is also expressed in a variety of human solid tumors, notably in breast cancers. We demonstrate for the first time that PLAC1 is ubiquitously expressed in tumors originating in uterine epithelium. Further, we find that PLAC1 expression is significantly higher in the more advanced, more aggressive endometrial serous adenocarcinomas and carcinosarcomas relative to endometrioid adenocarcinomas by more than 6-fold and 16-fold, respectively. We also show that PLAC1 is simultaneously transcribed from two promoters but that, in all cases, the more distal P1 promoter dominates the more proximal P2 promoter. While the function of the two PLAC1 promoters and their regulation are as yet unknown, overall expression data suggest that PLAC1 may serve as a biomarker for endometrial cancer as well as a potential prognostic indicator.
A Novel Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm for Large Scale QoS-Based Service Selection Problem
Authors: Zhang Changsheng , Yin Hao , Zhang Bin
Published: July 2013

To tackle the large scale QoS-based service selection problem, a novel efficient clustering guided ant colony service selection algorithm called CASS is proposed in this paper. In this algorithm, a skyline query process is used to filter the candidates related to each service class, and a clustering based shrinking process is used to guide the ant to the search directions. We evaluate our approach experimentally using standard real datasets and synthetically generated datasets and compared it with the recently proposed related service selection algorithms. It reveals very encouraging results in terms of the quality of solution and the processing time required.
Recent Development in Chemical Depolymerization of Lignin: A Review
Authors: Wang Hai , Tucker Melvin , Ji Yun
Published: July 2013

This article reviewed recent development of chemical depolymerization of lignins. There were five types of treatment discussed, including base-catalyzed, acid-catalyzed, metallic catalyzed, ionic liquids-assisted, and supercritical fluids-assisted lignin depolymerizations. The methods employed in this research were described, and the important results were marked. Generally, base-catalyzed and acid-catalyzed methods were straightforward, but the selectivity was low. The severe reaction conditions (high pressure, high temperature, and extreme pH) resulted in requirement of specially designed reactors, which led to high costs of facility and handling. Ionic liquids, and supercritical fluids-assisted lignin depolymerizations had high selectivity, but the high costs of ionic liquids recycling and supercritical fluid facility limited their applications on commercial scale biomass treatment. Metallic catalyzed depolymerization had great advantages because of its high selectivity to certain monomeric compounds and much milder reaction condition than base-catalyzed or acid-catalyzed depolymerizations. It would be a great contribution to lignin conversion if appropriate catalysts were synthesized.