bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data Fusion Based on Node Trust Evaluation in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Jianming Zhou , Fan Liu , Qiuyuan Lu
Published: July 2014

Abnormal behavior detection and trust evaluation mode of traditional sensor node have a single function without considering all the factors, and the trust value algorithm is relatively complicated. To avoid these above disadvantages, a trust evaluation model based on the autonomous behavior of sensor node is proposed in this paper. Each sensor node has the monitoring privilege and obligation. Neighboring sensor nodes can monitor each other. Their direct and indirect trust values can be achieved by using a relatively simple calculation method, the synthesis trust value of which could be got according to the composition rule of D-S evidence theory. Firstly, the cluster head assigns different weighted value for the data from each sensor node, then the weight vector is set according to the synthesis trust value, the data fusion processing is executed, and finally the cluster head sensor node transmits the fused result to the base station. Simulation experiment results demonstrate that the trust evaluation model can rapidly, exactly, and effectively recognize malicious sensor node and avoid malicious sensor node becoming cluster head sensor node. The proposed algorithm can greatly increase the safety and accuracy of data fusion, improve communication efficiency, save energy of sensor node, suit different application fields, and deploy environments.
Coronary Heart Disease in Postmenopausal Women with Type II Diabetes Mellitus and the Impact of Estrogen Replacement Therapy: A Narrative Review
Authors: Boukhris Marouane , Tomasello Salvatore Davide , Marzà Francesco , Bregante Sonia , Pluchinotta Francesca Romana , Galassi Alfredo Ruggero
Published: July 2014

Coronary heart disease is the main cause of death in postmenopausal women (PMW); moreover its mortality exceeds those for breast cancer in women at all ages. Type II diabetes mellitus is a major cardiovascular risk factor and there is some evidence that the risk conferred by diabetes is greater in women than in men. It was established that the deficiency of endogenous estrogens promotes the atherosclerosis process. However, the impact of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) on cardiovascular prevention remains controversial. Some authors strongly recommend it, whereas others revealed a concerning trend toward harm. This review tries to underlines the different components of cardiovascular risk in diabetic PMW and to define the place of ERT.
Implementation of Cooperative Learning in Science: A Developmental-cum-Experimental Study
Authors: Mehta Sonam , Kulshrestha A. K.
Published: July 2014

This research paper is designed to set forth ideas on how to implement cooperative learning and examine its effect on social and cooperative skills while imparting science education at the Secondary Level. The strategy used is Jigsaw Technique making heterogeneous groups based on intelligence and gender. Instructional material and observation schedule were constructed by researchers. The cooperative skills of the students were found improving during the experimental period, and they developed positive interdependence, face-to-face interaction skills, and feeling of individual accountability, as compared by Mann WhitneyUtest. The students developed the feeling of working in a group in the classroom of science, and it also improved performance, as the discussion always leads to a considerable degree of clarity of concepts.
On Certain Class of Non-Bazilevič Functions of Orderα+iβDefined by a Differential Subordination
Authors: Alamoush A. G. , Darus M.
Published: July 2014

We introduce a new subclassNn(λ,α,β,A,B)of Non-Bazilevič functions of orderα+iβ. Some subordination relations and inequality properties are discussed. The results obtained generalize the related work of some authors. In addition, some other new results are also obtained.
Designing a Robust Nonlinear Dynamic Inversion Controller for Spacecraft Formation Flying
Authors: Yang Inseok , Lee Dongik , Han Dong Seog
Published: July 2014

The robust nonlinear dynamic inversion (RNDI) control technique is proposed to keep the relative position of spacecrafts while formation flying. The proposed RNDI control method is based on nonlinear dynamic inversion (NDI). NDI is nonlinear control method that replaces the original dynamics into the user‐selected desired dynamics. Because NDI removes nonlinearities in the model by inverting the original dynamics directly, it also eliminates the need of designing suitable controllers for each equilibrium point; that is, NDI works as self‐scheduled controller. Removing the original model also provides advantages of ease to satisfy the specific requirements by simply handling desired dynamics. Therefore, NDI is simple and has many similarities to classical control. In real applications, however, it is difficult to achieve perfect cancellation of the original dynamics due to uncertainties that lead to performance degradation and even make the system unstable. This paper proposes robustness assurance method for NDI. The proposed RNDI is designed by combining NDI and sliding mode control (SMC). SMC is inherently robust using high‐speed switching inputs. This paper verifies similarities of NDI and SMC, firstly. And then RNDI control method is proposed. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated by simulations applied to spacecraft formation flying problem.
Double Diffusive Convection in a Layer of Maxwell Viscoelastic Fluid in Porous Medium in the Presence of Soret and Dufour Effects
Authors: Chand Ramesh , Rana G. C.
Published: July 2014

Double diffusive convection in a horizontal layer of Maxwell viscoelastic fluid in a porous medium in the presence of temperature gradient (Soret effects) and concentration gradient (Dufour effects) is investigated. For the porous medium Darcy model is considered. A linear stability analysis based upon normal mode technique is used to study the onset of instabilities of the Maxwell viscolastic fluid layer confined between two free-free boundaries. Rayleigh number on the onset of stationary and oscillatory convection has been derived and graphs have been plotted to study the effects of the Dufour parameter, Soret parameter, Lewis number, and solutal Rayleigh number on stationary convection.
A Strange Double-Deck Butterfly Chaotic Attractor from a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor with Smooth Air Gap: Numerical Analysis and Experimental Observation
Authors: Wang Zhonglin , Cang Shijian , Wang Zenghui , Xue Wei , Chen Zengqiang
Published: July 2014

A permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) model with smooth air gap and an exogenous periodic input is introduced and analyzed in this paper. With a simple mathematical transformation, a new nonautonomous Lorenz-like system is derived from this PMSM model, and this new three-dimensional system can display the complicated dynamics such as the chaotic attractor and the multiperiodic orbits by adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the exogenous periodic inputs. Moreover, this new system shows a double-deck chaotic attractor that is completely different from the four-wing chaotic attractors on topological structures, although the phase portrait shapes of the new attractor and the four-wing chaotic attractors are similar. The exotic phenomenon has been well demonstrated and investigated by numerical simulations, bifurcation analysis, and electronic circuit implementation.
Effect of Glass Fiber Incorporation on Flexural Properties of Experimental Composites
Authors: Fonseca Rodrigo Borges , Marques Aline Silva , Bernades Karina de Oliveira , Carlo Hugo Lemes , Naves Lucas Zago
Published: July 2014

This study evaluated the effect of fiber addiction in flexural properties of 30 wt% silica filled BisGMA resin (FR) or unfilled Bis-GMA (UR). Ten groups were created (N=10) varying the resin (FR or UR) and quantity of glass fibers (wt%: 0, 10, 15, 20, and 30). Samples (10 × 2 × 1 mm) were submitted to flexural strength test following SEM examination. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA, Tukey, and Studentt-test (α=0.05). Results for flexural strength (MPa) were FR-groups: 0%(442.7±140.6)C, 10%(772.8±446.3)ABC, 15%(854.7±297.3)AB, 20%(863.4±418.0)A, 30%(459.5±140.5)BC; UR-groups: 0%(187.7±120.3)B, 10%(795.4±688.1)B, 15%(1999.9±1258.6)A, 20%(1911.5±596.8)A, and 30%(2090.6±656.7)A, and for flexural modulus (GPa) FR-groups: 0%(2065.63±882.15)B, 10%(4479.06±3019.82)AB, 15%(5694.89±2790.3)A, 20%(6042.11±3392.13)A, and 30%(2495.67±1345.86)B; UR-groups: 0%(1090.08±708.81)C, 10%(7032.13±7864.53)BC, 15%(19331.57±16759.12)AB, 20%(15726.03±8035.09)AB, and 30%(29364.37±13928.96)A. Fiber addiction in BisGMA resin increases flexural properties, and the interaction between resin and fibers seems better in the absence of inorganic fillers increasing flexural properties.
Update in Pathogenesis and Prospective in Treatment of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Terrin Gianluca , Scipione Antonella , De Curtis Mario
Published: July 2014

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is among the most common and devastating diseases in neonates and, despite the significant advances in neonatal clinical and basic science investigations, its etiology is largely understood, specific treatment strategies are lacking, and morbidity and mortality remain high. Improvements in the understanding of pathogenesis of NEC may have therapeutic consequences. Pharmacologic inhibition of toll-like receptor signaling, the use of novel nutritional strategies, and microflora modulation may represent novel promising approaches to the prevention and treatment of NEC. This review, starting from the recent acquisitions in the pathogenic mechanisms of NEC, focuses on current and possible therapeutic perspectives.
The Existence of Positive Solutions for a Fourth-Order Difference Equation with Sum Form Boundary Conditions
Authors: Guo Yanping , Lv Xuefei , Ji Yude , Liang Yongchun
Published: July 2014

We consider the fourth-order difference equation:Δ(z(k+1)Δ3u(k-1))=w(k)f(k,u(k)),  k∈{1,2,…,n-1}subject to the boundary conditions:u(0)=u(n+2)=∑i=1n+1g(i)u(i),aΔ2u(0)-bz(2)Δ3u(0)=∑i=3n+1h(i)Δ2u(i-2),aΔ2u(n)-bz(n+1)Δ3u(n-1)=∑i=3n+1h(i)Δ2u(i-2), wherea,b>0andΔu(k)=u(k+1)-u(k)fork∈{0,1,…,n-1},  f:{0,1,…,n}×[0,+∞)→[0,+∞)is continuous.h(i)is nonnegativei∈{2,3,…,n+2};g(i)is nonnegative fori∈{0,1,…,n}. Using fixed point theorem of cone expansion and compression of norm type and Hölder’s inequality, various existence, multiplicity, and nonexistence results of positive solutions for above problem are derived, which extends and improves some known recent results.
Convergence of Relaxed Matrix Parallel Multisplitting Chaotic Methods forH-Matrices
Authors: Zhang Li-Tao , Li Jian-Lei , Gu Tong-Xiang , Liu Xing-Ping
Published: July 2014

Based on the methods presented by Song and Yuan (1994), we construct relaxed matrix parallel multisplitting chaotic generalized USAOR-style methods by introducing more relaxed parameters and analyze the convergence of our methods when coefficient matrices areH-matrices or irreducible diagonally dominant matrices. The parameters can be adjusted suitably so that the convergence property of methods can be substantially improved. Furthermore, we further study some applied convergence results of methods to be convenient for carrying out numerical experiments. Finally, we give some numerical examples, which show that our convergence results are applied and easily carried out.
An Approach to Evaluating Computer Network Security with Intuitionistic Trapezoidal Fuzzy Information
Authors: Xue Ming
Published: July 2014

We investigate the multiple attribute decision-making problems for evaluating the computer network security with intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy information. We utilize the intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy weighted average (ITFWA) operator to aggregate the intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy information corresponding to each alternative and get the overall value of the alternatives and then rank the alternatives and select the most desirable one(s) according to the distance between the overall value of the alternatives and ideal solution. Finally, an illustrative example for evaluating the computer network security is given.
A Review on Hemeoxygenase-2: Focus on Cellular Protection and Oxygen Response
Authors: Muñoz-Sánchez Jorge , Chánez-Cárdenas María Elena
Published: July 2014

Hemeoxygenase (HO) system is responsible for cellular heme degradation to biliverdin, iron, and carbon monoxide. Two isoforms have been reported to date. Homologous HO-1 and HO-2 are microsomal proteins with more than 45% residue identity, share a similar fold and catalyze the same reaction. However, important differences between isoforms also exist. HO-1 isoform has been extensively studied mainly by its ability to respond to cellular stresses such as hemin, nitric oxide donors, oxidative damage, hypoxia, hyperthermia, and heavy metals, between others. On the contrary, due to its apparently constitutive nature, HO-2 has been less studied. Nevertheless, its abundance in tissues such as testis, endothelial cells, and particularly in brain, has pointed the relevance of HO-2 function. HO-2 presents particular characteristics that made it a unique protein in the HO system. Since attractive results on HO-2 have been arisen in later years, we focused this review in the second isoform. We summarize information on gene description, protein structure, and catalytic activity of HO-2 and particular facts such as its cellular impact and activity regulation. Finally, we call attention on the role of HO-2 in oxygen sensing, discussing proposed hypothesis on heme binding motifs and redox/thiol switches that participate in oxygen sensing as well as evidences of HO-2 response to hypoxia.
Computational Analysis of the Model Describing HIV Infection of CD4+T Cells
Authors: Atangana Abdon , Doungmo Goufo Emile Franc
Published: July 2014

An analysis of the model underpinning the description of the spread of HIV infection of CD4+T cells is examined in detail in this work. Investigations of the disease free and endemic equilibrium are done using the method of Jacobian matrix. An iteration technique, namely, the homotopy decomposition method (HDM), is implemented to give an approximate solution of nonlinear ordinary differential equation systems. The technique is described and illustrated with numerical examples. The approximated solution obtained via HDM is compared with those obtained via other methods to prove the trustworthiness of HDM. Moreover, the lessening and simplicity in calculations furnish HDM with a broader applicability.
Fuzzy Optimization of Option Pricing Model and Its Application in Land Expropriation
Authors: Heng Aimin , Chen Qian , Tan Yingshuang
Published: July 2014

Option pricing is irreversible, fuzzy, and flexible. The fuzzy measure which is used for real option pricing is a useful supplement to the traditional real option pricing method. Based on the review of the concepts of the mean and variance of trapezoidal fuzzy number and the combination with the Carlsson-Fuller model, the trapezoidal fuzzy variable can be used to represent the current price of land expropriation and the sale price of land on the option day. Fuzzy Black-Scholes option pricing model can be constructed under fuzzy environment and problems also can be solved and discussed through numerical examples.
Management of Humeral and Glenoid Bone Loss in Recurrent Glenohumeral Instability
Authors: Mascarenhas Randy , Rusen Jamie , Saltzman Bryan M. , Leiter Jeff , Chahal Jaskarndip , Romeo Anthony A. , MacDonald Peter
Published: July 2014

Recurrent shoulder instability and resultant glenoid and humeral head bone loss are not infrequently encountered in the population today, specifically in young, athletic patients. This review on the management of bone loss in recurrent glenohumeral instability discusses the relevant shoulder anatomy that provides stability to the shoulder joint, relevant history and physical examination findings pertinent to recurrent shoulder instability, and the proper radiological imaging choices in its workup. Operative treatments that can be used to treat both glenoid and humeral head bone loss are outlined. These include coracoid transfer procedures and allograft/autograft reconstruction at the glenoid, as well as humeral head disimpaction/humeroplasty, remplissage, humeral osseous allograft reconstruction, rotational osteotomy, partial humeral head arthroplasty, and hemiarthroplasty on the humeral side. Clinical outcomes studies reporting general results of these techniques are highlighted.
Numerical Solution of Two-Point Boundary Value Problems by Interpolating Subdivision Schemes
Authors: Mustafa Ghulam , Ejaz Syeda Tehmina
Published: July 2014

A numerical interpolating algorithm of collocation is formulated, based on 8-point binary interpolating subdivision schemes for the generation of curves, to solve the two-point third order boundary value problems. It is observed that the algorithm produces smooth continuous solutions of the problems. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the algorithm and its convergence. Moreover, the approximation properties of the collocation algorithm have also been discussed.
Evaluating the Reproducibility of Motion Analysis Scanning of the Spine during Walking
Authors: Gipsman Aaron , Rauschert Lisa , Daneshvar Michael , Knott Patrick
Published: July 2014

The Formetric 4D dynamic system (Diers International GmbH, Schlangenbad, Germany) is a rasterstereography based imaging system designed to evaluate spinal deformity, providing radiation-free imaging of the position, rotation, and shape of the spine during the gait cycle.Purpose.This study was designed to evaluate whether repeated measurements with the Formetric 4D dynamic system would be reproducible with a standard deviation of less than +/− 3 degrees. This study looked at real-time segmental motion, measuring kyphosis, lordosis, trunk length, pelvic, and T4 and L1 vertebral body rotation.Methods.Twenty healthy volunteers each underwent 3 consecutive scans. Measurements for kyphosis, lordosis, trunk length, and rotations of T4, L1, and the pelvis were recorded for each trial.Results.The average standard deviations of same-day repeat measurements were within +/− 3 degrees with a range of 0.51 degrees to 2.3 degrees.Conclusions.The surface topography system calculated reproducible measurements with error ranges comparable to the current gold standard in dynamic spinal motion analysis. Therefore, this technique should be considered of high clinical value for reliably evaluating segmental motion and spinal curvatures and should further be evaluated in the setting of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Epidemiology, Phylogeny, and Evolution of Emerging EntericPicobirnavirusesof Animal Origin and Their Relationship to Human Strains
Authors: Malik Yashpal S. , Kumar Naveen , Sharma Kuldeep , Dhama Kuldeep , Shabbir Muhammad Zubair , Ganesh Balasubramanian , Kobayashi Nobumichi , Banyai Krisztian
Published: July 2014

Picobirnavirus(PBV) which has been included in the list of viruses causing enteric infection in animals is highly versatile because of its broad host range and genetic diversity. PBVs are among the most recent and emerging small, nonenveloped viruses with a bisegmented double-stranded RNA genome, classified under a new family “Picobirnaviridae.” PBVs have also been detected from respiratory tract of pigs, but needs further close investigation for their inhabitant behavior. Though, accretion of genomic data of PBVs from different mammalian species resolved some of the ambiguity, quite a few questions and hypotheses regarding pathogenesis, persistence location, and evolution of PBVs remain unreciprocated. Evolutionary analysis reveals association of PBVs withpartitivirusesespecially fungipartitiviruses. Although, PBVs may have an ambiguous clinical implication, they do pose a potential public health concern in humans and control of PBVs mainly relies on nonvaccinal approach. Based upon the published data, from 1988 to date, generated from animal PBVs across the globe, this review provides information and discussion with respect to genetic analysis as well as evolution of PBVs of animal origin in relation to human strains.
Link Prediction via Convex Nonnegative Matrix Factorization on Multiscale Blocks
Authors: Dong Enming , Li Jianping , Xie Zheng
Published: July 2014

Low rank matrices approximations have been used in link prediction for networks, which are usually global optimal methods and lack of using the local information. The block structure is a significant local feature of matrices: entities in the same block have similar values, which implies that links are more likely to be found within dense blocks. We use this insight to give a probabilistic latent variable model for finding missing links by convex nonnegative matrix factorization with block detection. The experiments show that this method gives better prediction accuracy than original method alone. Different from the original low rank matrices approximations methods for link prediction, the sparseness of solutions is in accord with the sparse property for most real complex networks. Scaling to massive size network, we use the block information mapping matrices onto distributed architectures and give a divide-and-conquer prediction method. The experiments show that it gives better results than common neighbors method when the networks have a large number of missing links.
Nonnegative Matrix Factorization-Based Spatial-Temporal Clustering for Multiple Sensor Data Streams
Authors: Sun Di-Hua , Sang Chun-Yan
Published: July 2014

Cyber physical systems have grown exponentially and have been attracting a lot of attention over the last few years. To retrieve and mine the useful information from massive amounts of sensor data streams with spatial, temporal, and other multidimensional information has become an active research area. Moreover, recent research has shown that clusters of streams change with a comprehensive spatial-temporal viewpoint in real applications. In this paper, we propose a spatial-temporal clustering algorithm (STClu) based on nonnegative matrix trifactorization by utilizing time-series observational data streams and geospatial relationship for clustering multiple sensor data streams. Instead of directly clustering multiple data streams periodically, STClu incorporates the spatial relationship between two sensors in proximity and integrates the historical information into consideration. Furthermore, we develop an iterative updating optimization algorithm STClu. The effectiveness and efficiency of the algorithm STClu are both demonstrated in experiments on real and synthetic data sets. The results show that the proposed STClu algorithm outperforms existing methods for clustering sensor data streams.
Multiple Memory Structure Bit Reversal Algorithm Based on Recursive Patterns of Bit Reversal Permutation
Authors: Adikaram K. K. L. B. , Hussein M. A. , Effenberger M. , Becker T.
Published: July 2014

With the increasing demand for online/inline data processing efficient Fourier analysis becomes more and more relevant. Due to the fact that the bit reversal process requires considerable processing time of the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm, it is vital to optimize the bit reversal algorithm (BRA). This paper is to introduce an efficient BRA with multiple memory structures. In 2009, Elster showed the relation between the first and the second halves of the bit reversal permutation (BRP) and stated that it may cause serious impact on cache performance of the computer, if implemented. We found exceptions, especially when the said index mapping was implemented with multiple one‐dimensional memory structures instead of multidimensional or one‐dimensional memory structure. Also we found a new index mapping, even after the recursive splitting of BRP into equal sized slots. The four‐array and the four‐vector versions of BRA with new index mapping reported 34% and 16% improvement in performance in relation to similar versions of Linear BRA of Elster which uses single one‐dimensional memory structure.
Enhancement of the Wear Resistance and Microhardness of Aluminum Alloy by Nd:YaG Laser Treatment
Authors: Hussein Haitham T. , Kadhim Abdulhadi , Al-Amiery Ahmed A. , Kadhum Abdul Amir H. , Mohamad Abu Bakar
Published: July 2014

Influence of laser treatment on mechanical properties, wear resistance, and Vickers hardness of aluminum alloy was studied. The specimens were treated by using Nd:YaG laser of energy 780 mj, wavelength 512 nm, and duration time 8 ns. The wear behavior of the specimens was studied for all specimens before and after treatment by Nd:YaG laser and the dry wear experiments were carried out by sing pinon-disc technique. The specimens were machined as a disk with diameter of 25 mm and circular groove in depth of 3 mm. All specimens were conducted by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray florescence analysis (EDS), optical microscopy, and Vickers hardness. The results showed that the dry wear rate was decreased after laser hardening and increased Vickers hardness values by ratio of 2.4 : 1. The results showed that the values of wear rate for samples having circular grooves are less than samples without grooves after laser treatment.
Joint 2D Direction-of-Arrival and Range Estimation for Nonstationary Sources
Authors: Chen Jian , Zhao Hui , Sun Xiaoying , Liu Guohong
Published: July 2014

Passive localization of nonstationary sources in the spherical coordinates (azimuth, elevation, and range) is considered, and a parallel factor analysis based method is addressed for the near-field parameter estimation problem. In this scheme, a parallel factor analysis model is firstly constructed by computing five time-frequency distribution matrices of the properly chosen observation data. In addition, the uniqueness of the constructed model is proved, and both the two-dimensional (2D) direction-of-arrival (DOA) and range can be jointly obtained via trilinear alternating least squares regression (TALS). The investigated algorithm is well suitable for near-field nonstationary source localization and does not require parameter-pairing or multidimensional search. Several simulation examples confirm the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
A Spline Smoothing Newton Method for Semi-Infinite Minimax Problems
Authors: Dong Li , Yu Bo , Xiao Yu
Published: July 2014

Based on discretization methods for solving semi-infinite programming problems, this paper presents a spline smoothing Newton method for semi-infinite minimax problems. The spline smoothing technique uses a smooth cubic spline instead of max function and only few components in the max function are computed; that is, it introduces an active set technique, so it is more efficient for solving large-scale minimax problems arising from the discretization of semi-infinite minimax problems. Numerical tests show that the new method is very efficient.
AcuteIn VivoResponse to an Alternative Implant for Urogynecology
Authors: Roman Regueros Sabiniano , Albersen Maarten , Manodoro Stefano , Zia Silvia , Osman Nadir I. , Bullock Anthony J. , Chapple Christopher R. , Deprest Jan , MacNeil Sheila
Published: July 2014

Purpose. To investigatein vivothe acute host response to an alternative implant designed for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP).Methods. A biodegradable scaffold was produced from poly-L-lactic acid (PLA) using the electrospinning technique. Human and rat adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were isolated and characterized by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and differentiation assays. PLA scaffolds were seeded and cultured for 2 weeks with human or rat ADSCs. Scaffolds with and without human or rat ADSCs were implanted subcutaneously on the abdominal wall of rats. After 3 and 7 days, 6 animals from each group were sacrificed. Sections from each sample were analyzed by Haematoxylin and Eosin staining, Sirius red staining, and immunohistochemistry for CD68, PECAM-1, and collagen I and III.Results. Animals responded to the scaffolds with an acute macrophage response. After 7 days of implantation, there was extensive host cell penetration, new blood vessel formation, and new collagen deposition throughout the full thickness of the samples without obvious differences between cell-containing and cell-free scaffolds.Conclusions. The acutein vivoresponse to an alternative implant (both with and without cells) for the treatment of SUI and POP showed good acute integration into the host tissues.
Price of Fairness on Networked Auctions
Authors: Kaleta Mariusz
Published: July 2014

We consider an auction design problem under network flow constraints. We focus on pricing mechanisms that provide fair solutions, where fairness is defined in absolute and relative terms. The absolute fairness is equivalent to “no individual losses” assumption. The relative fairness can be verbalized as follows: no agent can be treated worse than any other in similar circumstances. Ensuring the fairness conditions makes only part of the social welfare available in the auction to be distributed on pure market rules. The rest of welfare must be distributed without market rules and constitutes the so-calledprice of fairness. We prove that there exists the minimum ofprice of fairnessand that it is achieved when uniform unconstrained market price is used as the base price. Theprice of fairnesstakes into account costs of forced offers and compensations for lost profits. The final payments can be different than locational marginal pricing. That means that the widely applied locational marginal pricing mechanism does not in general minimize theprice of fairness.
Reduction of Structural Vibrations by Passive and Semiactively Controlled Friction Dampers
Authors: Gaul L. , Becker J.
Published: July 2014

Reduction of structural vibrations is of major interest in mechanical engineering for lowering sound emission of vibrating structures, improving accuracy of machines, and increasing structure durability. Besides optimization of the mechanical design or various types of passive damping treatments, active structural vibration control concepts are efficient means to reduce unwanted vibrations. In this contribution, two different semiactive control concepts for vibration reduction are proposed that adapt to the normal force of attached friction dampers. Thereby, semiactive control concepts generally possess the advantage over active control in that the closed loop is intrinsically stable and that less energy is required for the actuation than in active control. In the chosen experimental implementation, a piezoelectric stack actuator is used to apply adjustable normal forces between a structure and an attached friction damper. Simulation and experimental results of a benchmark structure with passive and semiactively controlled friction dampers are compared for stationary narrowband excitation. For simulations of the control performance, transient simulations must be employed to predict the achieved vibration damping. It is well known that transient simulation of systems with friction and normal contact requires excessive computational power due to the nonlinear constitutive laws and the high contact stiffnesses involved. However, commercial finite-element codes do not allow simulating feedback control in a general way. As a remedy, a special simulation framework is developed which allows efficiently modeling interfaces with friction and normal contact by appropriate constitutive laws which are implemented by contact elements in a finite-element model. Furthermore, special model reduction techniques using a substructuring approach are employed for faster simulation.
Latency after Preterm Prelabor Rupture of the Membranes: Increased Risk for Periventricular Leukomalacia
Authors: Denzler Annick , Burkhardt Tilo , Natalucci Giancarlo , Zimmermann Roland
Published: July 2014

Objective. To identify the risk factors for cystic periventricular leukomalacia (cPVL) and their implications for deciding between immediate delivery and conservative management of preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes (pPROM).Methods. The following risk factors were compared between cPVL infants and 6440 controls: chorioamnionitis, sex, gestational age (GA), birth weight, pPROM, and pPROM-delivery interval. Factor impact on cPVL risk and clinical decision-making was determined by multivariate logistic regression.Results. Overall cPVL prevalence (n=32) was 0.99/1000 births. All cPVL infants but one were born <34 weeks of gestation and were <2500 g; 56% had histological chorioamnionitis versus 1.1% of controls (OR 35.9; 95%-CI 12.6–102.7). Because chorioamnionitis is a postnatal diagnosis, logistic regression was performed with prenatally available factors: pPROM-delivery interval >48 hours (OR 9.0; 95%-CI 4.1–20.0), male gender (OR 3.2; 95%-CI 1.4–7.3). GA was not a risk factor if birth weight was included. Risk decreased with increasing fetal weight despite a prolonged pPROM-delivery interval.Conclusion. pPROM-delivery interval is the single most important prenatally available risk factor for the development of cPVL. Immediate delivery favors babies with chorioamnionitis but disfavors those with non infectious pPROM. In the absence of clinical chorioamnionitis fetal weight gain may offset the inflammatory risk of cPVL caused by a prolonged pPROM-delivery interval.
Subclinical Iodine Deficiency among Pregnant Women in Haramaya District, Eastern Ethiopia: A Community-Based Study
Authors: Kedir Haji , Berhane Yemane , Worku Alemayehu
Published: July 2014

Background.Iodine deficiency in pregnancy is a worldwide problem. This study aimed to assess prevalence and predictors of subclinical iodine deficiency among pregnant women in Haramaya district, eastern Ethiopia.Methods.A cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted on 435 pregnant women existing in ten randomly selected rural kebeles (kebele is the smallest administrative unit in Ethiopia). Data on the study subjects’ background characteristics, dietary habits, and gynecological/obstetric histories were collected via a structured questionnaire. UIC of <150 μg/L defined subclinical iodine deficiency. Data were analyzed by Stata 11. A multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of subclinical iodine deficiency.Results.The median urinary iodine concentration (MUIC) was 58.1 μg/L and 82.8% of the women who had subclinical iodine deficiency. The risk of subclinical iodine deficiency was reduced by the use of iodized salt (AOR = 0.13) and by intake of milk twice a month or more (AOR = 0.50), but it was increased by maternal illiteracy (AOR = 3.52).Conclusion.Iodine nutritional status of the pregnant women was poor. This shows that women and their children are exposed to iodine deficiency and its adverse effects. Thus, they need urgent supplementation with iodine and improved access to and intake of iodized salt and milk during pregnancy.
An Approximate Proximal Bundle Method to Minimize a Class of Maximum Eigenvalue Functions
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Lingling , Chen Miao , Lin Sida
Published: July 2014

We present an approximate nonsmooth algorithm to solve a minimization problem, in which the objective function is the sum of a maximum eigenvalue function of matrices and a convex function. The essential idea to solve the optimization problem in this paper is similar to the thought of proximal bundle method, but the difference is that we choose approximate subgradient and function value to construct approximate cutting-plane model to solve the above mentioned problem. An important advantage of the approximate cutting-plane model for objective function is that it is more stable than cutting-plane model. In addition, the approximate proximal bundle method algorithm can be given. Furthermore, the sequences generated by the algorithm converge to the optimal solution of the original problem.
Identifying the Best Coach by an Improved AHP Model
Authors: Xing Jinming , Zhao Chang , Wang Xiao-liang , Xiang Nan
Published: July 2014

The evaluation of coaches in college ball game is very essential, since a better choice of coaches will help get more scores for a team. In this paper, a simple, however, comprehensive model is proposed to evaluate college coaches of a century. By comparing the compressive index of different coaches in the evaluation, the top five coaches are found with their influence over time discussed either. Based on data of certain sport, a basic model is introduced. The superimposed application of the model makes it possible for the data of different levels to deliver proper evaluation. And by optimizing the data, we can provide precise evaluation items and authentic synthetic scores for each coach. Among their applications, the models of various sports are obtained in which relatively accurate results are still available. Although a number of deficiencies were disclosed by multiple expansions, this model is still simple, accurate, and valuable to select the best coaches.
Fast Computation of Singular Oscillatory Fourier Transforms
Authors: Kang Hongchao , Shao Xinping
Published: July 2014

We consider the problem of the numerical evaluation of singular oscillatory Fourier transforms ∫ab‍x-aαb-xβf(x)eiωxdx, whereα>-1  and  β>-1. Based on substituting the original interval of integration by the paths of steepest descent, iffis analytic in the complex regionGcontaining [a,b], the computation of integrals can be transformed into the problems of integrating two integrals on [0, ∞) with the integrand that does not oscillate and decays exponentially fast, which can be efficiently computed by using the generalized Gauss Laguerre quadrature rule. The efficiency and the validity of the method are demonstrated by both numerical experiments and theoretical results. More importantly, the presented method in this paper is also a great improvement of a Filon-type method and a Clenshaw-Curtis-Filon-type method shown in Kang and Xiang (2011) and the Chebyshev expansions method proposed in Kang et al. (2013), for computing the above integrals.
GPER-Targeted, 99mTc-Labeled, Nonsteroidal Ligands Demonstrate Selective Tumor Imaging and In Vivo Estrogen Binding
Authors: Nayak Tapan K. , Ramesh Chinnasamy , Hathaway Helen J. , Norenberg Jeffrey P. , Arterburn Jeffrey B. , Prossnitz Eric R.
Published: July 2014

Our understanding of estrogen (17β-estradiol, E2) receptor biology has evolved in recent years with the discovery and characterization of a 7-transmembrane-spanning G protein–coupled estrogen receptor (GPER/GPR30) and the development of GPER-selective functional chemical probes. GPER is highly expressed in certain breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers, establishing the importance of noninvasive methods to evaluate GPER expression in vivo. Here, we developed 99mTc-labeled GPER ligands to demonstrate the in vivo status of GPER as an estrogen receptor (ER) and for GPER visualization in whole animals. A series of 99mTc(I)-labeled nonsteroidal tetrahydro-3H-cyclopenta[c]quinolone derivatives was synthesized utilizing pyridin-2-yl hydrazine and picolylamine chelates. Radioligand receptor binding studies revealed binding affinities in the 10 to 30 nmol/L range. Cell signaling assays previously demonstrated that derivatives retaining a ketone functionality displayed agonist properties, whereas those lacking such a hydrogen bond acceptor were antagonists. In vivo biodistribution and imaging studies performed on mice bearing human endometrial and breast cancer cell xenografts yielded significant tumor uptake (0.4–1.1%ID/g). Blocking studies revealed specific uptake in multiple organs (adrenals, uterus, and mammary tissue), as well as tumor uptake with similar levels of competition by E2 and G-1, a GPER-selective agonist. In conclusion, we synthesized and evaluated a series of first-generation 99mTc-labeled GPER-specific radioligands, demonstrating GPER as an estrogen-binding receptor for the first time in vivo using competitive binding principles, and establishing the utility of such ligands as tumor imaging agents. These results warrant further investigation into the role of GPER in estrogen-mediated carcinogenesis and as a target for diagnostic/therapeutic/image-guided drug delivery.

Implications: These studies provide a molecular basis to evaluate GPER expression and function as an ER through in vivo imaging. Mol Cancer Res; 12(11); 1635–43. ©2014 AACR.
Effects of Dietary Salt Restriction on Renal Progression and Interstitial Fibrosis in Adriamycin Nephrosis
Authors: Park Joon-Sung , Kim Sua , Jo Chor Ho , Oh Il Hwan , Kim Gheun-Ho
Published: July 2014

Background/Aims: Although high salt intake is thought to accelerate renal progression in proteinuric kidney disease, it is not known whether strict dietary salt restriction could delay renal inflammation and interstitial fibrosis. Here, we sought to answer this question in a rat model of adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome. Methods: Adriamycin was administered via the femoral vein in a single bolus (7.5 mg/kg), and the rats were put on a sodium-deficient rodent diet. Rats with intact kidneys were studied for 5 weeks (experiment 1), and uninephrectomized rats were studied for 6 weeks (experiment 2). Results: In experiment 1, restricting salt intake improved renal tubulointerstitial histopathology in adriamycin-treated rats. Immunohistochemical and immunoblot results additionally showed that restricting dietary salt lowered adriamycin-induced expression of osteopontin, collagen III, and fibronectin. In experiment 2, salt restriction improved adriamycin-induced azotemia, although it did not affect proteinuria or blood pressure. Dietary salt restriction also reduced adriamycin-induced infiltration of ED1-positive cells and the upregulated expression of osteopontin and a-SMA. Masson's trichrome and Sirius red staining revealed that salt restriction slowed Adriamycin-induced progression of renal interstitial fibrosis. Finally, qPCR revealed that adriamycin-induced expression of TNF-a, IκB-a, gp91phox, p47phox, and p67phox mRNA was blocked by salt restriction. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that strict dietary salt restriction delays the progress of renal inflammation and fibrosis in proteinuric kidney disease, most likely via relieving the reactive oxygen species-mediated NF-κB activation.
Phase II Study of Pemetrexed and Erlotinib in Pretreated Nonsquamous, Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients without an EGFR mutation
Authors: Kim Young Hak , Nishimura Takashi , Ozasa Hiroaki , Nagai Hiroki , Sakamori Yuichi , Iwata Toshiyuki , Sunadome Hironobu , Nishimura Tomoko , Mishima Michiaki
Published: July 2014

Background: Preclinical data indicated that the combination of erlotinib and pemetrexed is synergistic when erlotinib is administered after pemetrexed. Patients and Methods: This was a phase II study of pemetrexed and erlotinib in patients with pretreated advanced non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with wild-type epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Chemotherapy consisted of pemetrexed (500 mg/m2) on day 1 and erlotinib (150 mg/body) on days 2-15 every 3 weeks. The protocol treatment was repeated until disease progression or intolerable toxicities occurred. Results: Seventeen patients were enrolled between January 2010 and January 2013, and 15 patients were evaluable for both safety and efficacy. The study was terminated due to slow patient accrual. There was 1 complete response. There was a partial response in 3 patients, stable disease in 4 and progressive disease in 7. The response rate was 27% and disease control rate was 53%. The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 2.5 months and 6.7 months, respectively. Conclusions: Statistical interpretation could not been made due to the early termination of the study. Further studies are needed to clarify the efficacy of this regimen in NSCLC patients without EGFR mutation (UMIN-CTR No. 0000024531).
Vaginal Misoprostol versus a Rectal Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug to Reduce Pain during Pipelle Endometrial Biopsies: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Telli Elcin , Aydin Yunus , Oge Tufan , Yalcin Omer Tarik
Published: July 2014

Background: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of vaginal misoprostol and a rectal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) on pain relief during Pipelle endometrial biopsies in a placebo-controlled randomized study. Methods: One hundred and fifty-one women who had an indication for a Pipelle endometrial biopsy were randomized into three groups as follows: group 1, vaginal misoprostol; group 2, rectal NSAID, and group 3, control. After the procedure, the women were asked to record their pain severity on a visual analog scale. The secondary outcome of the study was patient acceptability, and vasovagal symptoms and analgesic requirements after the procedure were also recorded. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the demographic characteristics of the patients. The primary study outcome was the comparison of the median visual analog scale pain scores of groups 1 and 2 versus group 3 (controls); no statistically significant differences were found (p = 0.502). In addition, the patient acceptability (Likert scale), vasovagal symptoms and analgesic requirements after the procedure were similar among the groups (p = 0.204, 1 and 0.546, respectively). Conclusion: Our study did not demonstrate a reduction in pain relief during Pipelle endometrial biopsies for patients receiving vaginal misoprostol or a rectal NSAID when compared to patients receiving placebo treatment.
Can Appropriate Diagnosis and Treatment of Childhood Asthma Reduce Excessive Antibiotic Usage?
Authors: Gedik Ahmet Hakan , Cakir Erkan , Ozkaya Emin , Ari Engin , Nursoy Mustafa
Published: July 2014

Introduction: This study compared the frequency of antibiotic usage and the number of asthma episodes before and after the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric asthma patients who were followed up by specialists. Subjects and Methods: Included in this study were 334 patients (211 males and 123 females) of 2-16 years of age who were diagnosed with asthma and followed up for at least 1 year in our clinic. The frequency of antibiotic usage and the number of asthma episodes in the year prior to diagnosis and treatment were compared to these same variables after 1 year of follow-up by specialists. Results: The median age was 84 months (range: 24-192) and 212 (63%) children were at school or in day care centers. Atopy and a family history of asthma were present in 200 (60%) of the patients, and 137 (41%) reported that at least one member of their household smoked. Antibiotics were used a median number of 7 times [interquartile range (IQR) = 6] in the year before the asthma diagnosis, and 2 times (IQR = 3) during the year after treatment (p < 0.001). The mean number of asthma episodes before diagnosis, i.e. 4 (IQR = 8) was reduced to 0 (IQR = 2) in the year after treatment when the patients were followed up by specialists (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study shows that appropriate diagnosis and treatment of childhood asthma significantly reduce the frequency of antibiotic usage and the number of asthmatic episodes.