bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ARE NONLINEAR TRADING RULES PROFITABLE IN THE CHINESE STOCK MARKET?
Authors: CHONG TERENCE TAI-LEUNG , LAM TAU-HING , HINICH MELVIN J.
Published: August 2014

The rise of China in the world economy has attracted a great deal of international attention. This paper investigates the performance of nonlinear self-exciting threshold autoregressive (SETAR) model-based trading rules in the Chinese stock market. We compare the performance of the SETAR model with the autoregressive (AR) model and the moving average (MA) trading rules. Our results indicate that trading rules are profitable in the B-share market, and that the nonlinear SETAR rule outperforms the other two linear rules in general.
MONETARY POLICY AND ASSET PRICES IN A SMALL OPEN ECONOMY: A FACTOR-AUGMENTED VAR ANALYSIS FOR SINGAPORE
Authors: CHOW HWEE KWAN , CHOY KEEN MENG
Published: August 2014

The ongoing global financial turmoil has revived the question of whether central bankers ought to tighten monetary policy pre-emptively in order to head off asset price misalignments before a sudden crash triggers financial instability. This study explores the issue of the appropriate monetary policy response to asset price swings in the small open economy of Singapore. Empirical analysis of monetary policy based on standard vector autoregression (VAR) models, unfortunately, is often hindered by the use of sparse information sets. To better reflect the extensive information monitored by Singapore's central bank, including global economic indicators, we augment a monetary vector autoregression (VAR) model with common factors extracted from a large panel dataset spanning 122 economic time series and the period 1980q1–2008q2. The resulting FAVAR model is used to assess the impact of monetary policy shocks on residential property and stock prices. Impulse response functions and variance decompositions suggest that monetary policy can potentially be used to lean against asset price booms in Singapore.
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorates Seawater-Exposure-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Inhibiting Autophagy in Lung Tissue
Authors: Liu Qiu-ping , Zhou Dang-xia , Sun Li , Ling Luo , Wu Chang-gui , Lin Pu , Han Shui-ping
Published: August 2014

Seawater drowning can lead to acute lung injury (ALI). Several studies have shown that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) treatment could attenuate ALI. However, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon still remain elusive. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether BMSC treatment can ameliorate seawater-induced ALI and its underlying mechanisms in a rat model. In this study, arterial blood gas, lung weight coefficient, and TNF-α, and IL-8 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), as well as histopathology examination, were used to detect the lung injury of seawater exposure. Moreover, western blot and RT-PCR were used to explore autophagy in lung tissues. The results demonstrated that seawater exposure induced ALI including impaired arterial blood gas, pulmonary edema, histopathologic changes, and inflammatory response in lung tissues. What is more, these changes were partly ameliorated by BMSC treatment through inhibition of autophagy in lung tissues. The application of BMSC may be a potential effective treatment for seawater-induced ALI.
Relational Demonic Fuzzy Refinement
Authors: Tchier Fairouz
Published: August 2014

We use relational algebra to define a refinement fuzzy order calleddemonic fuzzy refinementand also the associated fuzzy operators which are fuzzy demonic join(⊔fuz), fuzzy demonic meet(⊓fuz), and fuzzy demonic composition(□fuz). Our definitions and properties are illustrated by some examples using mathematica software (fuzzy logic).
Dynamics of Panax ginseng Rhizospheric Soil Microbial Community and Their Metabolic Function
Authors: Li Yong , Ying YiXin , Ding WanLong
Published: August 2014

The bacterial communities of 1‐ to 6‐year ginseng rhizosphere soils were characterized by culture‐independent approaches, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), and amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA). Culture‐dependent method (Biolog) was used to investigate the metabolic function variance of microbe living in rhizosphere soil. Results showed that significant genetic and metabolic function variance were detected among soils, and, with the increasing of cultivating years, genetic diversity of bacterial communities in ginseng rhizosphere soil tended to be decreased. Also we found that Verrucomicrobia, Acidobacteria, and Proteobacteria were the dominants in rhizosphere soils, but, with the increasing of cultivating years, plant disease prevention or plant growth promoting bacteria, such as Pseudomonas, Burkholderia, and Bacillus, tended to be rare.
Synthesis and Ultraviolet Visible Spectroscopy Studies of Chitosan Capped Gold Nanoparticles and Their Reactions with Analytes
Authors: Mohd Sultan Norfazila , Johan Mohd Rafie
Published: August 2014

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) had been synthesized with various molarities and weights of reducing agent, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and stabilizer chitosan, respectively. The significance of chitosan as stabilizer was distinguished through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images and UV-Vis absorption spectra in which the interparticles distance increases whilst retaining the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) characteristics peak. The most stable AuNPs occurred for composition with the lowest (1 g) weight of chitosan. AuNPs capped with chitosan size stayed small after 1 month aging compared to bare AuNPs. The ability of chitosan capped AuNPs to uptake analyte was studied by employing amorphous carbon nanotubes (α-CNT), copper oxide (Cu2O), and zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) as the target material. The absorption spectra showed dramatic intensity increased and red shifted once the analyte was added to the chitosan capped AuNPs.
Cortical Electrophysiological Markers of Language Abilities in Children with Hearing Aids: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bakhos David , Delage Hélène , Galvin John , Lescanne Emmanuel , Roux Sylvie , Bonnet-Brilhault Frédérique , Bruneau Nicole
Published: August 2014

Objective. To investigate cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) in pediatric hearing aid (HA) users, with and without language impairment.Design. CAEPs were measured in 11 pediatric HA users (age: 8–12 years) with moderate bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (HL); participants were classified according to language ability. CAEPs were also measured for a control group of 11 age-matched, normal-hearing (NH) children.Results. HL children without language impairment exhibited normal CAEPs. HL children with language impairment exhibited atypical temporal CAEPs, characterized by the absence of N1c; frontocentral responses displayed normal age-related patterns.Conclusion. Results suggest that abnormal temporal brain function may underlie language impairment in pediatric HA users with moderate sensorineural HL.
Nicardipine-Induced Acute Pulmonary Edema: A Rare but Severe Complication of Tocolysis
Authors: Serena Claire , Begot Emmanuelle , Cros Jérôme , Hodler Charles , Fedou Anne Laure , Nathan-Denizot Nathalie , Clavel Marc
Published: August 2014

We report four cases of acute pulmonary edema that occurred during treatment by intravenous tocolysis using nicardipine in pregnancy patients with no previous heart problems. Clinical severity justified hospitalization in intensive care unit (ICU) each time. Acute dyspnea has begun at an average of 63 hours after initiation of treatment. For all patients, the first diagnosis suspected was pulmonary embolism. The patients' condition improved rapidly with appropriate diuretic treatment and by modifying the tocolysis. The use of intravenous nicardipine is widely used for tocolysis in France even if its prescription does not have a marketing authorization. The pathophysiological mechanisms of this complication remain unclear. The main reported risk factors are spontaneous preterm labor, multiple pregnancy, concomitant obstetrical disease, association with beta-agonists, and fetal lung maturation corticotherapy. A better knowledge of this rare but serious adverse event should improve the management of patients. Nifedipine or atosiban, the efficiency of which tocolysis was also studied, could be an alternative.
Detection of Adulteration in Argan Oil by Using an Electronic Nose and a Voltammetric Electronic Tongue
Authors: Bougrini Madiha , Tahri Khalid , Haddi Zouhair , Saidi Tarik , El Bari Nezha , Bouchikhi Benachir
Published: August 2014

Adulteration detection of argan oil is one of the main aspects of its quality control. Following recent fraud scandals, it is mandatory to ensure product quality and customer protection. The aim of this study is to detect the percentages of adulteration of argan oil with sunflower oil by using the combination of a voltammetric e-tongue and an e-nose based on metal oxide semiconductor sensors and pattern recognition techniques. Data analysis is performed by three pattern recognition methods: principal component analysis (PCA), discriminant factor analysis (DFA), and support vector machines (SVMs). Excellent results were obtained in the differentiation between unadulterated and adulterated argan oil with sunflower one. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to demonstrate whether the combined e-nose and e-tongue technologies could be successfully applied to the detection of adulteration of argan oil.
Feed-Forward Inhibition of CD73 and Upregulation of Adenosine Deaminase Contribute to the Loss of Adenosine Neuromodulation in Postinflammatory Ileitis
Authors: Vieira Cátia , Magalhães-Cardoso Maria Teresa , Ferreirinha Fátima , Silva Isabel , Dias Ana Sofia , Pelletier Julie , Sévigny Jean , Correia-de-Sá Paulo
Published: August 2014

Purinergic signalling is remarkably plastic during gastrointestinal inflammation. Thus, selective drugs targeting the “purinome” may be helpful for inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases. The myenteric neuromuscular transmission of healthy individuals is fine-tuned and controlled by adenosine acting onA2Aexcitatory receptors. Here, we investigated the neuromodulatory role of adenosine in TNBS-inflamed longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus of the rat ileum. Seven-day postinflammation ileitis lacks adenosine neuromodulation, which may contribute to acceleration of gastrointestinal transit. The loss of adenosine neuromodulation results from deficient accumulation of the nucleoside at the myenteric synapse despite the fact that the increases in ATP release were observed. Disparity between ATP outflow and adenosine deficit in postinflammatory ileitis is ascribed to feed-forward inhibition of ecto-5′-nucleotidase/CD73 by high extracellular ATP and/or ADP. Redistribution of NTPDase2, but not of NTPDase3, from ganglion cell bodies to myenteric nerve terminals leads to preferential ADP accumulation from released ATP, thus contributing to the prolonged inhibition of muscle-bound ecto-5′-nucleotidase/CD73 and to the delay of adenosine formation at the inflamed neuromuscular synapse. On the other hand, depression of endogenous adenosine accumulation may also occur due to enhancement of adenosine deaminase activity. Both membrane-bound and soluble forms of ecto-5′-nucleotidase/CD73 and adenosine deaminase were detected in the inflamed myenteric plexus. These findings provide novel therapeutic targets for inflammatory gut motility disorders.
Simultaneous Bacillus anthracis Spores Detection via Aminated-Poly(vinyl chloride) Coated Piezoelectric Crystal Immunosensor
Authors: Oztuna Ali , Nazir Hasan , Baysallar Mehmet
Published: August 2014

Bacillus anthracis spores are a potential threat to countries in the context of biodefense. We have already seen the destructiveness of the anthrax attacks in the recent past. This study presents an aminated-poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-NH2) coated quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) immunosensor for simultaneous rapid detection of B. anthracis spores. PVC-NH2, synthesized in the laboratory, was used as an adhesive layer for monoclonal antibody immobilization on gold quartz crystal. The prepared QCM sensor was tested using a pathogen field strain of B. anthracis (GenBank number: GQ375871.1) under static addition and flow through procedures with different spore concentrations. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to characterize the surface of the sensor during the modification. Furthermore, a series of SEM micrographs were taken in order to investigate surface morphology and show the presence of the B. anthracis spores on the surface. It is concluded that B. anthracis spores can be accomplished by using amine functionalized polymer coated QCM sensors without requiring complicated immobilization procedures or expensive preliminary preparations.
Molecular Structure and Crystal Packing of n-Type Semiconducting Material 3′,3′-(1,4-Phenylene)bis{2′-(4′′-trifluoromethyl)phenyl}acrylonitrile
Authors: Moriguchi Tetsuji , Nagamatsu Shuichi , Okauchi Tatsuo , Tsuge Akihiko , Takashima Wataru , Hayase Shuji
Published: August 2014

The exact molecular structure and the crystal packing of the n-type semiconducting material 3′,3′-(1,4-phenylene)bis{2′-(4′′-trifluoromethyl)phenyl}acrylonitrile was determined by a single crystal X-ray diffraction with twin treatment technique. The air-stable product was crystallized from dichloromethane-hexane mixed solution. The solid-state structure is the example of a typical π-π stacking with side intermolecular CN–H short contact networks.
A Multicriteria Decision Making Approach Based on Fuzzy Theory and Credibility Mechanism for Logistics Center Location Selection
Authors: Wang Bowen , Xiong Haitao , Jiang Chengrui
Published: August 2014

As a hot topic in supply chain management, fuzzy method has been widely used in logistics center location selection to improve the reliability and suitability of the logistics center location selection with respect to the impacts of both qualitative and quantitative factors. However, it does not consider the consistency and the historical assessments accuracy of experts in predecisions. So this paper proposes a multicriteria decision making model based on credibility of decision makers by introducing priority of consistency and historical assessments accuracy mechanism into fuzzy multicriteria decision making approach. In this way, only decision makers who pass the credibility check are qualified to perform the further assessment. Finally, a practical example is analyzed to illustrate how to use the model. The result shows that the fuzzy multicriteria decision making model based on credibility mechanism can improve the reliability and suitability of site selection for the logistics center.
Metabolic and Physiological Roles of Branched-Chain Amino Acids
Authors: Monirujjaman Md. , Ferdouse Afroza
Published: August 2014

Branch chain amino acids (BCAAs) have unique properties with diverse physiological and metabolic roles. They have functions other than simple nutrition. Different diseases including metabolic disease lead to protein loss, especially muscle protein. Supplementation of BCAAs promotes protein synthesis and reduces break down, as well as improving disease conditions. They are important regulators of mTOR signaling pathway and regulate protein synthesis as well as protein turnover. BCAAs facilitate glucose uptake by liver and SK muscle and also enhance glycogen synthesis. Oxidation of BCAAs seems to be beneficial for metabolic health as their catabolism increases fatty acid oxidation and reduces risk of obesity. BCAAs are also important in immunity, brain function, and other physiological aspects of well-being. All three BCAAs are absolutely required for lymphocyte growth and proliferation. They are also important for proper immune cell function. BCAAs may influence brain protein synthesis, and production of energy and may influence synthesis of different neurotransmitters. BCAAs can be used therapeutically and future studies may be directed to investigating the diverse effects of BCAAs in different tissues and their signaling pathways.
Vitamin D Supplementation in Australia: Implications for the Development of Supplementation Guidelines
Authors: Bilinski Kellie , Talbot Peter
Published: August 2014

High rates of vitamin D deficiency and testing have been reported in Australia, yet there are few reports regarding vitamin D supplement use. Australian wholesale sales data was obtained for vitamin D supplements for the period 2000–2011. There has been a threefold increase in supplement sales over the past decade, whereby over A$94 million supplements containing vitamin D in Australia were sold during the year 2010. There were eighty-nine manufacturers that produce a variety of 195 vitamin D products. The amount of vitamin D in these products varies considerably, from 40 to 1000 IU per unit, although supplements containing only vitamin D had the highest amount of vitamin D. There was a trend for sales to increase in winter months. Given the potential public health benefits of vitamin D, there is an urgent need for a better understanding of supplementation use and for the development of supplementation.
α-Lipoic Acid InhibitsHelicobacter pylori-Induced Oncogene Expression and Hyperproliferation by Suppressing the Activation of NADPH Oxidase in Gastric Epithelial Cells
Authors: Byun Eunyoung , Lim Joo Weon , Kim Jung Mogg , Kim Hyeyoung
Published: August 2014

Hyperproliferation and oncogene expression are observed in the mucosa ofHelicobacter pylori- (H. pylori-)infected patients with gastritis or adenocarcinoma. Expression of oncogenes such asβ-catenin and c-myc is related to oxidative stress.α-Lipoic acid (α-LA), a naturally occurring thiol compound, acts as an antioxidant and has an anticancer effect. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect ofα-LA onH. pylori-induced hyperproliferation and oncogene expression in gastric epithelial AGS cells by determining cell proliferation (viable cell numbers, thymidine incorporation), levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), NADPH oxidase activation (enzyme activity, subcellular levels of NADPH oxidase subunits), activation of redox-sensitive transcription factors (NF-κB, AP-1), expression of oncogenes (β-catenin, c-myc), and nuclear localization ofβ-catenin. Furthermore, we examined whether NADPH oxidase mediates oncogene expression and hyperproliferation inH. pylori-infected AGS cells using treatment of diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase. As a result,α-LA inhibited the activation of NADPH oxidase and, thus, reduced ROS production, resulting in inhibition on activation of NF-κB and AP-1, induction of oncogenes, nuclear translocation ofβ-catenin, and hyperproliferation inH. pylori-infected AGS cells. DPI inhibitedH. pylori-induced activation of NF-κB and AP-1, oncogene expression and hyperproliferation by reducing ROS levels in AGS cells. In conclusion, we propose that inhibiting NADPH oxidase byα-LA could prevent oncogene expression and hyperproliferation occurring inH. pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells.
Lead Exposure: A Summary of Global Studies and the Need for New Studies from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Shaik A. P. , Sultana S. A. , Alsaeed A. H.
Published: August 2014

Lead poisoning (plumbism) can cause irreversible genetic and reproductive toxicity, hematological effects, neurological damage, and cardiovascular effects. Despite many efforts to minimize lead poisoning, it continues to be a major health concern in many developing and developed countries. Despite efforts to control lead exposure and toxicity, serious cases of lead poisoning increasingly occur as a result of higher vehicular traffic and industrialization. The biomarkers for identification of genetic susceptibility to a particular disease are useful to identify individuals who are at risk for lead poisoning. Although many such studies have been taken up elsewhere, very few studies were performed in Saudi Arabia to assess susceptibility to lead poisoning. This indicates an urgent need for testing of susceptible individuals. The present paper was planned to understand the genetic susceptibility to lead toxicity in the various population studies conducted worldwide and also to correlate it with the current scenario in Saudi Arabia. Such studies are necessary for appropriate precautions in terms of diet and avoiding exposure to be used in order to prevent adverse health effects.
The Effects of 5-Hydroxytryptophan in Combination with Different Fatty Acids on Gastrointestinal Functions: A Pilot Experiment
Authors: Sauer Helene , Mack Isabelle , Kohler Silke , Siegle Stefanie , Rieber Nicole , Zipfel Stephan , Otto Bärbel , Ritze Yvonne , Bischoff Stephan C. , Enck Paul
Published: August 2014

Background.Fat affects gastric emptying (GE). 5-Hydroxythryptophan (5-HTP) is involved in central and peripheral satiety mechanisms. Influence of 5-HTP in addition to saturated or monounsaturated fatty acids (FA) on GE and hormone release was investigated.Subjects/Methods.24 healthy individuals (12f : 12m, 22–29 years, BMI 19–25.7 kg/m²) were tested on 4 days with either 5-HTP + short-chain saturated FA (butter), placebo + butter, 5-HTP + monounsaturated FA (olive oil), or placebo + olive oil in double-blinded randomized order. Two hours after FA/5-HTP or placebo intake, a13C octanoid acid test was conducted. Cortisol, serotonin, cholecystokinin (CCK), and ghrelin were measured, as were mood and GE.Results.GE was delayed with butter and was normal with olive (P<0.05) but not affected by 5-HTP. 5-HTP supplementation did not affect serotonin levels. Food intake increased plasma CCK (F=6.136;P<0.05) irrespective of the FA. Ghrelin levels significantly decreased with oil/5-HTP (F=9.166;P<0.001). The diurnal cortisol profile was unaffected by FA or 5-HTP, as were ratings of mood, hunger, and stool urgency.Conclusion.Diverse FAs have different effects on GE and secretion of orexigenic and anorexigenic hormones. Supplementation of 5-HTP had no effect on plasma serotonin and central functions. Further studies are needed to explain the complex interplay.
Rapid Identification of Asteraceae Plants with Improved RBF‐ANN Classification Models Based on MOS Sensor E‐Nose
Authors: Zou Hui-Qin , Li Shuo , Huang Ying-Hua , Liu Yong , Bauer Rudolf , Peng Lian , Tao Ou , Yan Su-Rong , Yan Yong-Hong
Published: August 2014

Plants from Asteraceae family are widely used as herbal medicines and food ingredients, especially in Asian area. Therefore, authentication and quality control of these different Asteraceae plants are important for ensuring consumers’ safety and efficacy. In recent decades, electronic nose (E‐nose) has been studied as an alternative approach. In this paper, we aim to develop a novel discriminative model by improving radial basis function artificial neural network (RBF‐ANN) classification model. Feature selection algorithms, including principal component analysis (PCA) and BestFirst + CfsSubsetEval (BC), were applied in the improvement of RBF‐ANN models. Results illustrate that in the improved RBF‐ANN models with lower dimension data classification accuracies (100%) remained the same as in the original model with higher‐dimension data. It is the first time to introduce feature selection methods to get valuable information on how to attribute more relevant MOS sensors; namely, in this case, S1, S3, S4, S6, and S7 show better capability to distinguish these Asteraceae plants. This paper also gives insights to further research in this area, for instance, sensor array optimization and performance improvement of classification model.
Modulation of Steroidogenic Pathway in Rat Granulosa Cells with Subclinical Cd Exposure and Insulin Resistance: An Impact on Female Fertility
Authors: Belani Muskaan , Purohit Nupur , Pillai Prakash , Gupta Sharad , Gupta Sarita
Published: August 2014

Changes in lifestyle lead to insulin resistance (IR) in females ultimately predisposing them towards infertility. In addition, cadmium (Cd), an environmental endocrine disruptor, is reported for detrimental effects on granulosa cells, thus leading to ovarian dysfunction. A combination of these factors, lifestyle and environment, seems to play a role in etiology of idiopathic infertility that accounts for 50% amongst the total infertility cases. To address this issue, we made an attempt to investigate the extent of Cd impact on insulin-resistant (IR) granulosa cells. We exposed adult femaleCharles Fosterrats to dexamethasone and confirmed IR condition by fasting insulin resistance index (FIRI). On treatment of IR rats with Cd, the preliminary studies demonstrated prolonged estrous cyclicity, decrease in serum estradiol concentrations, abnormal histology of ovary, and increased granulosa cell death. Further gene and protein expression studies of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD), and cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19A1) were performed. Protein expression studies demonstrated significant decrease in treated groups when compared with control. Study revealed that, in spite of the molecular parameters being affected at varied level, overall ovarian physiology is maximally affected in IR and Cd coexposed group, thus mimicking the condition similar to those prevailing in infertile females.
Anaesthetic Management of Renal Transplant Surgery in Patients of Dilated Cardiomyopathy with Ejection Fraction Less Than 40%
Authors: Srivastava Divya , Tiwari Tanmay , Sahu Sandeep , Chandra Abhilash , Dhiraaj Sanjay
Published: August 2014

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an important comorbidity of chronic kidney disease, and reducing cardiovascular events in this population is an important goal for the clinicians who care for chronic kidney disease patients. The high risk for CVD in transplant recipients is in part explained by the high prevalence of conventional CVD risk factors (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia) in this patient population. Current transplant success allows recipients with previous contraindications to transplant to have access to this procedure with more frequency and safety. Herein we provide a series of eight patients with dilated cardiomyopathy with poor ejection fraction posted for live donor renal transplantation which was successfully performed under regional anesthesia with sedation.
Thickness and Interface-Dependent Structural, Magnetic, and Transport Properties of Cu/Co Thin Film and Multilayer Structures
Authors: Brajpuriya R.
Published: August 2014

Structural, magnetic, and transport properties of electron beam evaporated Co/Cu thin films and multilayer structures (MLS) having different layer thicknesses have been characterized utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), magnetooptical Kerr effect (MOKE), and resistivity techniques. The structural studies show distinctive crystal structures for different sublayer thicknesses. The Co (300 Å) single layer film is amorphous, while Cu (300 Å) film is nanocrystalline in nature. The average particle size is found to decrease as the number of interface increases. The corresponding magnetic and resistivity measurements show an increase in saturation field and resistivity as a result of an enhanced anisotropy. However, coercivity decreases with a reduction in average particle size. The results conclude that these properties are greatly influenced by various microstructural parameters such as layer thickness, number of bilayers, and the quality of interfaces molded under different growth conditions.
Trabecular-Iris Circumference Volume in Open Angle Eyes Using Swept-Source Fourier Domain Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Rigi Mohammed , Blieden Lauren S. , Nguyen Donna , Chuang Alice Z. , Baker Laura A. , Bell Nicholas P. , Lee David A. , Mankiewicz Kimberly A. , Feldman Robert M.
Published: August 2014

Purpose. To introduce a new anterior segment optical coherence tomography parameter, trabecular-iris circumference volume (TICV), which measures the integrated volume of the peripheral angle, and establish a reference range in normal, open angle eyes.Methods. One eye of each participant with open angles and a normal anterior segment was imaged using 3D mode by the CASIA SS-1000 (Tomey, Nagoya, Japan). Trabecular-iris space area (TISA) and TICV at 500 and 750 µm were calculated. Analysis of covariance was performed to examine the effect of age and its interaction with spherical equivalent.Results. The study included 100 participants with a mean age of 50 (±15) years (range 20–79). TICV showed a normal distribution with a mean (±SD) value of 4.75 µL (±2.30) for TICV500 and a mean (±SD) value of 8.90 µL (±3.88) for TICV750. Overall, TICV showed an age-related reduction(P=0.035). In addition, angle volume increased with increased myopia for all age groups, except for those older than 65 years.Conclusions. This study introduces a new parameter to measure peripheral angle volume, TICV, with age-adjusted normal ranges for open angle eyes. Further investigation is warranted to determine the clinical utility of this new parameter.
α-Coupled Fixed Points and Their Application in Dynamic Programming
Authors: Harjani J. , Rocha J. , Sadarangani K.
Published: August 2014

We introduce the definition ofα-coupled fixed point in the space of the bounded functions on a setSand we present a result about the existence and uniqueness of such points. Moreover, as an application of our result, we study the problem of existence and uniqueness of solutions for a class of systems of functional equations arising in dynamic programming.
Venipuncture-Induced Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Elahi Foad , Reddy Chandan G.
Published: August 2014

Venipuncture, the most frequently performed invasive medical procedure, is usually benign. Generally it produces only transitory mild discomfort. Venipuncture-induced neuropathic pain is hard to recognize at an early stage. Medical literature reviews show that there is not adequate medical knowledge about this important subject. The inciting incident in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can often seem far too trivial to result in a condition with such severe pathophysiologic effects. The practicing physician has little information available to enable early recognition of the condition, initiation of multidisciplinary treatment modalities, and proper referral to pain specialists. We encountered a unique case of venipuncture-induced complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The patient is a 52-year-old school teacher with no significant past medical history, who presented initially to the Center of Pain Medicine with left upper extremity pain. The pain started while phlebotomy was performed in the patient’s left antecubital area for routine blood check. The patient’s pain did not improve with multiple medications, physical therapy, or several nerve blocks. The patient demonstrated all the signs and symptoms of chronic neuropathic pain of CRPS in the upper extremity with minimal response to the continuous pain management. We decided to proceed with cervical spinal cord nerve stimulation along with continuing other modalities. The patient responded to this combination. During the follow-up, we noticed that the patient’s pain course was complicated by extension of the CRPS to her lower extremity. We will describe the course of treatment for the patient in this paper. In this paper we will discuss the electrical neuromodulation as an important modality in addition to the multidisciplinary pain management for a patient with venipuncture-induced chronic neuropathic pain.
Normal Edge-Transitive Cayley Graphs of the Group U6n
Authors: Assari A. , Sheikhmiri F.
Published: August 2014

A Cayley graph of a group G is called normal edge-transitive if the normalizer of the right representation of the group in the automorphism of the Cayley graph acts transitively on the set of edges of the graph. In this paper, we determine all connected normal edge-transitive Cayley graphs of the group U6n.
Polymorphism of theFTOGene Influences Body Weight in Children with Type 1 Diabetes without Severe Obesity
Authors: Łuczyński Włodzimierz , Fendler Wojciech , Ramatowska Anna , Szypowska Agnieszka , Szadkowska Agnieszka , Młynarski Wojciech , Chumiecki Miron , Jarosz-Chobot Przemysława , Chrzanowska Joanna , Noczyńska Anna , Brandt Agnieszka , Myśliwiec Małgorzata , Głowińska-Olszewska Barbara , Bernatowicz Paweł , Kowalczuk Oksana , Bossowski Artur
Published: August 2014

The objective was to compare the impact of clinical and genetic factors on body mass index (BMI) in children with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) without severe obesity. A total of 1,119 children with T1DM (aged 4–18 years) were qualified to take part in the study. All children were genotyped for variants ofFTO,MC4R,INSIG2,FASN,NPC1,PTER,SIRT1,MAF,IRT1, andCD36.Results.Variants ofFTOshowed significant association with BMI-SDS in the T1DM group. The main factors influencing BMI-SDS in children with T1DM included female gender (P=0.0003), poor metabolic control (P=0.0001), and carriage of the A allele of theFTOrs9939609 gene (P=0.02).Conclusion.Our research indicates, when assessing, the risk of overweight and obesity carriage of the A allele in the rs9939609 site of theFTOgene adds to that of female gender and poor metabolic control. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01279161).
A Comprehensive In Silico Analysis of the Functional and Structural Impact of Nonsynonymous SNPs in the ABCA1 Transporter Gene
Authors: Marín-Martín Francisco R. , Soler-Rivas Cristina , Martín-Hernández Roberto , Rodriguez-Casado Arantxa
Published: August 2014

Disease phenotypes and defects in function can be traced to nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs), which are important indicators of action sites and effective potential therapeutic approaches. Identification of deleterious nsSNPs is crucial to characterize the genetic basis of diseases, assess individual susceptibility to disease, determinate molecular and therapeutic targets, and predict clinical phenotypes. In this study using PolyPhen2 and MutPred in silico algorithms, we analyzed the genetic variations that can alter the expression and function of the ABCA1 gene that causes the allelic disorders familial hypoalphalipoproteinemia and Tangier disease. Predictions were validated with published results fromin vitro, in vivo, and human studies. Out of a total of 233 nsSNPs, 80 (34.33%) were found deleterious by both methods. Among these 80 deleterious nsSNPs found, 29 (12.44%) rare variants resulted highly deleterious with a probability >0.8. We have observed that mostly variants with verified functional effect in experimental studies are correctly predicted as damage variants by MutPred and PolyPhen2 tools. Still, the controversial results of experimental approaches correspond to nsSNPs predicted as neutral by both methods, or contradictory predictions are obtained for them. A total of seventeen nsSNPs were predicted as deleterious by PolyPhen2, which resulted neutral by MutPred. Otherwise, forty two nsSNPs were predicted as deleterious by MutPred, which resulted neutral by PolyPhen2.
Detection and Localization of Tooth Breakage Fault on Wind Turbine Planetary Gear System considering Gear Manufacturing Errors
Authors: Gui Y. , Han Q. K. , Li Z. , Chu F. L.
Published: August 2014

Sidebands of vibration spectrum are sensitive to the fault degree and have been proved to be useful for tooth fault detection and localization. However, the amplitude and frequency modulation due to manufacturing errors (which are inevitable in actual planetary gear system) lead to much more complex sidebands. Thus, in the paper, a lumped parameter model for a typical planetary gear system with various types of errors is established. In the model, the influences of tooth faults on time-varying mesh stiffness and tooth impact force are derived analytically. Numerical methods are then utilized to obtain the response spectra of the system with tooth faults with and without errors. Three system components (including sun, planet, and ring gears) with tooth faults are considered in the discussion, respectively. Through detailed comparisons of spectral sidebands, fault characteristic frequencies of the system are acquired. Dynamic experiments on a planetary gear-box test rig are carried out to verify the simulation results and these results are of great significances for the detection and localization of tooth faults in wind turbines.
Evaluation of Dried Sweet Sorghum Stalks as Raw Material for Methane Production
Authors: Matsakas Leonidas , Rova Ulrika , Christakopoulos Paul
Published: August 2014

The potential of utilizing dried sweet sorghum stalks as raw material for anaerobic digestion has been evaluated. Two different treatments were tested, a mild thermal and an enzymatic, alone or in combination. Thermal pretreatment was found to decrease the methane yields, whereas one-step enzymatic treatment resulted in a significant increase of 15.1% comparing to the untreated sweet sorghum. Subsequently, in order to increase the total methane production, the combined effect of enzyme load and I/S on methane yields from sweet sorghum was evaluated by employing response surface methodology. The obtained model showed that the maximum methane yield that could be achieved is 296 mL CH4/g VS at I/S ratio of 0.35 with the addition of 11.12 FPU/g sweet sorghum.
Microsoft Kinect-Based Artificial Perception System for Control of Functional Electrical Stimulation Assisted Grasping
Authors: Štrbac Matija , Kočović Slobodan , Marković Marko , Popović Dejan B.
Published: August 2014

We present a computer vision algorithm that incorporates a heuristic model which mimics a biological control system for the estimation of control signals used in functional electrical stimulation (FES) assisted grasping. The developed processing software acquires the data from Microsoft Kinect camera and implements real-time hand tracking and object analysis. This information can be used to identify temporal synchrony and spatial synergies modalities for FES control. Therefore, the algorithm acts as artificial perception which mimics human visual perception by identifying the position and shape of the object with respect to the position of the hand in real time during the planning phase of the grasp. This artificial perception used within the heuristically developed model allows selection of the appropriate grasp and prehension. The experiments demonstrate that correct grasp modality was selected in more than 90% of tested scenarios/objects. The system is portable, and the components are low in cost and robust; hence, it can be used for the FES in clinical or even home environment. The main application of the system is envisioned for functional electrical therapy, that is, intensive exercise assisted with FES.
Red Sea Suberea mollis Sponge Extract Protects against CCl4‐Induced Acute Liver Injury in Rats via an Antioxidant Mechanism
Authors: Abbas Aymn T. , El-Shitany Nagla A. , Shaala Lamiaa A. , Ali Soad S. , Azhar Esam I. , Abdel-dayem Umama A. , Youssef Diaa T. A.
Published: August 2014

Recent studies have demonstrated that marine sponges and their active constituents exhibited several potential medical applications. This study aimed to evaluate the possible hepatoprotective role as well as the antioxidant effect of the Red Sea Suberea mollis sponge extract (SMSE) on carbon tetrachloride‐ (CCl4‐) induced acute liver injury in rats. In vitro antioxidant activity of SMSE was evaluated by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl‐hydrate (DPPH) assay. Rats were orally administered three different concentrations (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) of SMSE and silymarin (100 mg/kg) along with CCl4 (1 mL/kg, i.p., every 72 hr) for 14 days. Plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin were measured. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) were also measured. Liver specimens were histopathologically examined. SMSE showed strong scavenging activity against free radicals in DPPH assay. SMSE significantly reduced liver enzyme activities. Moreover, SMSE significantly reduced hepatic MDA formation. In addition, SMSE restored GSH, NO, SOD, GPx, and CAT. The histopathological results confirmed these findings. The results of this study suggested a potent protective effect of the SMSE against CCl4‐induced hepatic injury. This may be due to its antioxidant and radical scavenging activity.
Transadmittance Type Universal Current-Mode Biquad Filter Using VDTAs
Authors: Prasad Dinesh , Srivastava Mayank , Bhaskar D. R.
Published: August 2014

A new resistorless single-input-multi-output (SIMO) universal transadmittance (TA) type filter employing two voltage differencing
transconductance amplifiers (VDTA) and two grounded capacitors is proposed. The proposed topology realizes simultaneously low pass (LP), high pass (HP), and band pass (BP) filter functions. Band rejects (BR) and all pass (AP) filters are also realizable through appropriate connections of currents. The proposed configuration also offers independent control of natural angular frequency (ω0) and bandwidth (BW) and low active and passive sensitivities. The workability of proposed configuration has been demonstrated through PSPICE simulations with TSMC CMOS 0.18 μm process parameters.
Numerical Study on Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Using a Submerged Breakwater
Authors: Ha Taemin , Yoo Jeseon , Han Sejong , Cho Yong-Sik
Published: August 2014

Most coastal structures have been built in surf zones to protect coastal areas. In general, the transformation of waves in the surf zone is quite complicated and numerous hazards to coastal communities may be associated with such phenomena. Therefore, the behavior of waves in the surf zone should be carefully analyzed and predicted. Furthermore, an accurate analysis of deformed waves around coastal structures is directly related to the construction of economically sound and safe coastal structures because wave height plays an important role in determining the weight and shape of a levee body or armoring material. In this study, a numerical model using a large eddy simulation is employed to predict the runup heights of nonlinear waves that passed a submerged structure in the surf zone. Reduced runup heights are also predicted, and their characteristics in terms of wave reflection, transmission, and dissipation coefficients are investigated.
One‐Step Thermolysis Synthesis of Divalent Transition Metal Ions Monodoped and Tridoped CdS and ZnS Luminescent Nanomaterials
Authors: Saeed S. E. , Abdel-Mottaleb M. M. S. , Abdel-Mottaleb M. S. A.
Published: August 2014

Mn2+, Co2+, or Ni2+ monodoped CdS (or ZnS) and Mn2+‐Co2+‐Ni2+ tridoped CdS (or ZnS) have been successfully synthesized by novel one‐step thermolysis method using thiourea as a sulphur source. The synthesized nanomaterials were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It is found that the average diameter and morphology of the synthesized samples varied with the nature of dopant ion. The successful doping of Mn2+‐Co2+‐Ni2+ tridoped ions into the host CdS (or ZnS) was proved by the EDX spectra. The luminescence of CdS is only enhanced when monodoped with Mn2+ whereas it is enhanced when ZnS is either monodoped with Mn2+, Co2+, or Ni2+ or tridoped with Mn2+‐Co2+‐Ni2+. The synthesized samples could therefore offer opportunities for further fundamental research and technological applications.
Capacity Expansion and Reliability Evaluation on the Networks Flows with Continuous Stochastic Functional Capacity
Authors: Hamzezadeh F. , Salehi Fathabadi H.
Published: August 2014

In many systems such as computer network, fuel distribution, and transportation system, it is necessary to change the capacity of some arcs in order to increase maximum flow value from sourcesto sinkt, while the capacity change incurs minimum cost. In real-time networks, some factors cause loss of arc’s flow. For example, in some flow distribution systems, evaporation, erosion or sediment in pipes waste the flow. Here we define a real capacity, or the so-calledfunctional capacity,which is the operational capacity of an arc. In other words, the functional capacity of an arc equals the possible maximum flow that may pass through the arc. Increasing the functional arcs capacities incurs some cost. There is a certain resource available to cover the costs. First, we construct a mathematical model to minimize the total cost of expanding the functional capacities to the required levels. Then, we consider the loss of flow on each arc as a stochastic variable and compute the system reliability.
Quantitative Evaluation of the Use of Actigraphy for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Pan Weidong , Song Yu , Kwak Shin , Yoshida Sohei , Yamamoto Yoshiharu
Published: August 2014

Quantitative and objective evaluation of disease severity and/or drug effect is necessary in clinical practice. Wearable accelerometers such as an actigraph enable long-term recording of a patient’s movement during activities and they can be used for quantitative assessment of symptoms due to various diseases. We reviewed some applications of actigraphy with analytical methods that are sufficiently sensitive and reliable to determine the severity of diseases and disorders such as motor and nonmotor disorders like Parkinson’s disease, sleep disorders, depression, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) for vascular dementia (VD), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and stroke, as well as the effects of drugs used to treat them. We believe it is possible to develop analytical methods to assess more neurological or psychopathic disorders using actigraphy records.
Partitioning Carbon Dioxide Emission and Assessing Dissolved Organic Carbon Leaching of a Drained Peatland Cultivated with Pineapple at Saratok, Malaysia
Authors: Lim Kim Choo Liza Nuriati , Ahmed Osumanu Haruna
Published: August 2014

Pineapples (Ananas comosus(L.) Merr.) cultivation on drained peats could affect the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere and also the leaching of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Carbon dioxide emission needs to be partitioned before deciding on whether cultivated peat is net sink or net source of carbon. Partitioning of CO2emission into root respiration, microbial respiration, and oxidative peat decomposition was achieved using a lysimeter experiment with three treatments: peat soil cultivated with pineapple, bare peat soil, and bare peat soil fumigated with chloroform. Drainage water leached from cultivated peat and bare peat soil was also analyzed for DOC. On a yearly basis, CO2emissions were higher under bare peat (218.8 t CO2 ha/yr) than under bare peat treated with chloroform (205 t CO2 ha/yr), and they were the lowest (179.6 t CO2 ha/yr) under cultivated peat. Decreasing CO2emissions under pineapple were attributed to the positive effects of photosynthesis and soil autotrophic activities. An average 235.7 mg/L loss of DOC under bare peat suggests rapid decline of peat organic carbon through heterotrophic respiration and peat decomposition. Soil CO2emission depended on moderate temperature fluctuations, but it was not affected by soil moisture.
A Novel BA Complex Network Model on Color Template Matching
Authors: Han Risheng , Shen Shigen , Yue Guangxue , Ding Hui
Published: August 2014

A novel BA complex network model of color space is proposed based on two fundamental rules of BA scale-free network model: growth and preferential attachment. The scale-free characteristic of color space is discovered by analyzing evolving process of template’s color distribution. And then the template’s BA complex network model can be used to select important color pixels which have much larger effects than other color pixels in matching process. The proposed BA complex network model of color space can be easily integrated into many traditional template matching algorithms, such as SSD based matching and SAD based matching. Experiments show the performance of color template matching results can be improved based on the proposed algorithm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study about how to model the color space of images using a proper complex network model and apply the complex network model to template matching.