bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Efficient Method for Time-Fractional Coupled Schrödinger System
Authors: Aminikhah Hossein , Sheikhani A. Refahi , Rezazadeh Hadi
Published: July 2014

We present a new technique to obtain the solution of time-fractional coupled Schrödinger system. The fractional derivatives are considered in Caputo sense. The proposed scheme is based on Laplace transform and new homotopy perturbation method. To illustrate the power and reliability of the method some examples are provided. The results obtained by the proposed method show that the approach is very efficient and simple and can be applied to other partial differential equations.
Generalized Almost Convergence and Core Theorems of Double Sequences
Authors: Mohiuddine S. A. , Alotaibi Abdullah
Published: July 2014

The idea of[λ, μ]-almost convergence (briefly,F[λ, μ]-convergence) has been recently introduced and studied by Mohiuddine and Alotaibi (2014). In this paper first we define a norm onF[λ, μ]such that it is a Banach space and then we define and characterize those four-dimensional matrices which transformF[λ, μ]-convergence of double sequencesx=(xjk)intoF[λ, μ]-convergence. We also define aF[λ, μ]-core ofx=(xjk)and determine a Tauberian condition for core inclusions and core equivalence.
Electron Microscopic Studies of Ilmenite from the Chhatrapur Coast, Odisha, India, and Their Implications in Processing
Authors: Rao D. S. , Sengupta D.
Published: July 2014

Ilmenite from the Chhatrapur coast, Odisha, India, was studied using optical microscope, X-ray diffraction, particle size analysis, and electron microprobe to decipher their micromorphology, texture(s), and elemental composition. The micromorphological features by electron microscope indicate that weathering processes such as mechanical and chemical, affected the placer heavy mineral ilmenite. These detrital ilmenites contain TiO2 in the range of 50.25% to 55.41% and FeO 42.72% to 49.99% in addition to Al2O3, MgO, MnO, CaO, Na2O, Cr2O3, NiO, ZnO, ZrO2, V2O5, and HfO2 (0 to 0.034%). Ti/(Ti + Fe) ratio in the ilmenite varied from 0.413 to 0.5, which indicates the effect of weathering/oxidation confirming microscopic observations. All the results revealed that these ilmenite grains were derived from the gneissic/granitic, basic and high grade metamorphic rocks, belonging to the Eastern Ghats Group of the Precambrian complex of coastal Orissa.
Accurate Fault Classifier and Locator for EHV Transmission Lines Based on Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Ben Hessine Moez , Ben Saber Souad
Published: July 2014

The ability to identify the fault type and to locate the fault in extra high voltage transmission lines is very important for the economic operation of modern power systems. Accurate algorithms for fault classification and location based on artificial neural network are suggested in this paper. Two fault classification algorithms are presented; the first one uses the single ANN approach and the second one uses the modular ANN approach. A comparative study of two classifiers is done in order to choose which ANN fault classifier structure leads to the best performance. Design and implementation of modular ANN‐based fault locator are presented. Three fault locators are proposed and a comparative study of the three fault locators is carried out in order to determine which fault locator architecture leads to the accurate fault location. Instantaneous current and/or voltage samples were used as inputs to ANNs. For fault classification, only the pre‐fault and post‐fault samples of three‐phase currents were used. For fault location, pre‐fault and post‐fault samples of three‐phase currents and/or voltages were used. The proposed algorithms were evaluated under different fault scenarios. Studied simulation results which are presented confirm the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Hydraulic Transients in the Long Diversion-Type Hydropower Station with a Complex Differential Surge Tank
Authors: Yu Xiaodong , Zhang Jian , Zhou Ling
Published: July 2014

Based on the theory of hydraulic transients and the method of characteristics (MOC), a mathematic model of the differential surge tank with pressure-reduction orifices (PROs) and overflow weirs for transient calculation is proposed. The numerical model of hydraulic transients is established using the data of a practical hydropower station; and the probable transients are simulated. The results show that successive load rejection is critical for calculating the maximum pressure in spiral case and the maximum rotating speed of runner when the bifurcated pipe is converging under the surge tank in a diversion-type hydropower station; the pressure difference between two sides of breast wall is large during transient conditions, and it would be more serious when simultaneous load rejections happen after load acceptance; the reasonable arrangement of PROs on breast wall can effectively decrease the pressure difference.
Prevalence ofblaNDM,blaPER,blaVEB,blaIMP, andblaVIMGenes amongAcinetobacter baumanniiIsolated from Two Hospitals of Tehran, Iran
Authors: Fallah Fatemeh , Noori Maryam , Hashemi Ali , Goudarzi Hossein , Karimi Abdollah , Erfanimanesh Soroor , Alimehr Shadi
Published: July 2014

Background and Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency ofblaNDM,blaPER,blaVEB,blaIMP, andblaVIMtype genes amongA. baumanniiisolates from hospitalized patients in two hospitals in Tehran, Iran.Patients and Methods. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion and Broth microdilution methods. The frequency of MBL (metallo-beta-lactamase) and ESBL (extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase) producers was evaluated by CDDT. Theβ-lactamasesgenes were detected by PCR and sequencing methods.Results. The resistance ofA. baumanniiisolates against tested antibiotics was as follows: 103 (95.4%) to ceftazidime, 108 (100%) to cefotaxime, 105 (95.7%) to cefepime, 99 (91.7%) to imipenem, 99 (91.7%) to meropenem, 87 (80.6%) to amikacin, 105 (97.2%) to piperacillin, 100 (92.6%) to ciprofloxacin, 103 (95.4%) to piperacillin/tazobactam, 44 (40.7%) to gentamicin, 106 (98.1%) to ampicillin/sulbactam, 106 (98.1%) to co-trimoxazole, 87 (80.6%) to tetracycline, and 1 (1.8%) to colistin. Using combined disk diffusion test, 91 (84.2%) and 86 (86.86%) were ESBL and MBL producers, respectively. The prevalence ofblaPER-1,blaVEB-1,blaIMP-1, andblaVIM-1genes was 71 (78.03%), 36 (39.5%), 3 (3.48%), and 15 (17.44%), respectively.Conclusions. The prevalence of ESBLs and MBLs-producingA. baumanniistrains detected in this study is a major concern and highlights the need of infection control measures.
Development of Thin Film Amorphous Silicon Tandem Junction Based Photocathodes Providing High Open-Circuit Voltages for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Urbain F. , Wilken K. , Smirnov V. , Astakhov O. , Lambertz A. , Becker J.-P. , Rau U. , Ziegler J. , Kaiser B. , Jaegermann W. , Finger F.
Published: July 2014

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin film tandem solar cells (a-Si:H/a-Si:H) have been developed with focus on high open-circuit voltages for the direct application as photocathodes in photoelectrochemical water splitting devices. By temperature variation during deposition of the intrinsic a-Si:H absorber layers the band gap energy of a-Si:H absorber layers, correlating with the hydrogen content of the material, can be adjusted and combined in a way that a-Si:H/a-Si:H tandem solar cells provide open-circuit voltages up to 1.87 V. The applicability of the tandem solar cells as photocathodes was investigated in a photoelectrochemical cell (PEC) measurement set-up. With platinum as a catalyst, the a-Si:H/a-Si:H based photocathodes exhibit a high photocurrent onset potential of 1.76 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a photocurrent of 5.3 mA/cm2at 0 V versus RHE (under halogen lamp illumination). Our results provide evidence that a direct application of thin film silicon based photocathodes fulfills the main thermodynamic requirements to generate hydrogen. Furthermore, the presented approach may provide an efficient and low-cost route to solar hydrogen production.
A Coiflets-Based Wavelet Laplace Method for Solving the Riccati Differential Equations
Authors: Wang Xiaomin
Published: July 2014

A wavelet iterative method based on a numerical integration by using the Coiflets orthogonal wavelets for a nonlinear fractional differential equation is proposed. With the help of Laplace transform, the fractional differential equation was converted into equivalent integral equation of convolution type. By using the wavelet approximate scheme of a function, the undesired jump or wiggle phenomenon near the boundary points was avoided and the expansion constants in the approximation of arbitrary nonlinear term of the unknown function can be explicitly expressed in finite terms of the expansion ones of the approximation of the unknown function. Then a numerical integration method for the convolution is presented. As an example, an iterative method which can solve the singular nonlinear fractional Riccati equations is proposed. Numerical results are performed to show the efficiency of the method proposed.
Wrist‐Ankle Acupuncture for the Treatment of Pain Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhu Li Bing , Chan Wai Chung , Lo Kwai Ching , Yum Tin Pui , Li Lei
Published: July 2014

Routine acupuncture incorporates wrist‐ankle acupuncture (WAA) for its analgesic effect, but WAA is not widely used in clinics due to incomplete knowledge of its effectiveness and concerns about less clinical research and because less people know it. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and possible adverse effects of WAA or WAA adjuvants in the treatment of pain symptoms. This study compared WAA or WAA adjuvant with the following therapies: western medication (WM), sham acupuncture (SA), or body acupuncture (BA). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched systematically in related electronic databases by two independent reviewers. 33 RCTs were finally included, in which 7 RCTs were selected for meta‐analysis. It was found that WAA or WAA adjuvant was significantly more effective than WM, SA, or BA in pain relief. There was nothing different between WAA and SA in adverse events, but WAA was marginally significantly safer than WM. Although both WAA and WAA adjuvant appeared to be more effective than WM, SA, or BA in the treatment of pain symptoms with few side effects, further studies with better and more rigorously designed are still necessary to ensure the efficacy and safety issue of WAA due to the poor methodology and small sample size of previous studies.
Next Generation Delivery System for Proteins and Genes of Therapeutic Purpose: Why and How?
Authors: Sharma Ashish Ranjan , Kundu Shyamal Kumar , Nam Ju-Suk , Sharma Garima , Priya Doss C. George , Lee Sang-Soo , Chakraborty Chiranjib
Published: July 2014

Proteins and genes of therapeutic interests in conjunction with different delivery systems are growing towards new heights. “Next generation delivery systems” may provide more efficient platform for delivery of proteins and genes. In the present review, snapshots about the benefits of proteins or gene therapy, general procedures for therapeutic protein or gene delivery system, and different next generation delivery system such as liposome, PEGylation, HESylation, and nanoparticle based delivery have been depicted with their detailed explanation.
Reliable Multihop Broadcast Protocol with a Low-Overhead Link Quality Assessment for ITS Based on VANETs in Highway Scenarios
Authors: Galaviz-Mosqueda Alejandro , Villarreal-Reyes Salvador , Galeana-Zapién Hiram , Rubio-Loyola Javier , Covarrubias-Rosales David H.
Published: July 2014

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) have been identified as a key technology to enable intelligent transport systems (ITS), which are aimed to radically improve the safety, comfort, and greenness of the vehicles in the road. However, in order to fully exploit VANETs potential, several issues must be addressed. Because of the high dynamic of VANETs and the impairments in the wireless channel, one key issue arising when working with VANETs is the multihop dissemination of broadcast packets for safety and infotainment applications. In this paper a reliable low-overhead multihop broadcast (RLMB) protocol is proposed to address the well-known broadcast storm problem. The proposed RLMB takes advantage of the hello messages exchanged between the vehicles and it processes such information to intelligently select a relay set and reduce the redundant broadcast. Additionally, to reduce the hello messages rate dependency, RLMB uses a point-to-zone link evaluation approach. RLMB performance is compared with one of the leading multihop broadcast protocols existing to date. Performance metrics show that our RLMB solution outperforms the leading protocol in terms of important metrics such as packet dissemination ratio, overhead, and delay.
Some Gastrointestinal Tract Characteristics of Karayaka Ram Lambs Slaughtered at Different Weights
Authors: Yıldırım Arda , Aksoy Yüksel , Ocak Nuh , Ulutaş Zafer
Published: July 2014

Thirty-one Karayaka ram lambs were slaughtered at different body weights (30n=7, 35n=6, 40n=7, 45n=6, and 50n=5 kg of body weight at fast) to evaluate the growth of their gastrointestinal tract (GIT) characteristics, to determine the relationship among slaughter body weight (SBW) and empty body weight (EBW), whole GIT and segments, and the influence of slaughter weight on the pH of rumen, jejunum, and cecal contents. The effects of the SBW on GIT weightP<0.05, stomachP<0.001, and intestineP<0.05, the body lengthP<0.001and caecumP<0.05, and the relative weights of GITP<0.05, stomachP<0.001, and intestineP<0.001were linear whereas that for the length of intestine were quadratic. The effect of SBW were quadraticP<0.05on ratios of stomach to GIT weight and intestine length to intestine weight and rumen pH while, for the intestine to GIT weight ratioP<0.001and caecum pHP<0.05, this effect was linear. The results indicated that for all parameters studied, with the exception of intestinal length and cecal pH, linear relationships were observed with SBW indicating steady growth rates for these tissues.
A Case of Recurrent Cryptococcal Meningoencephalitis in an Immunocompetent Female
Authors: Niknam Negin , Niknam Negar , Dushaj Kola , Restrepo Erfidia
Published: July 2014

Cryptococcus neoformansis commonly associated with meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised patients and occasionally in apparently healthy individuals. Duration and regimen of antifungal treatment vary depending on the nature of the host and extent of disease and CNS shunts are placed in persistently elevated intracranial pressures. Recurrence of infection after initial treatment is not uncommon in HIV positive patients, Kaya et al. (2012) and Illnait-zaragozí et al. (2010). We describe a 39-year-old immunocompetent female that presented with neurologic deficits and increased intracranial pressure (ICP) due to cryptococcal meningoencephalitis that had a complicated course with drug induced hepatitis and persistently increased ICP that ultimately required shunt placement and presented again with relapse of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis after completion of antifungal treatment. Our case shows that recurrent cryptococcal meningitis can be seen in immunocompetent patients due to prolonged placement of CNS shunt and suggests that shunts should be removed after resolution of meningitis.
Primary Renal Angiosarcoma with Extensive Necrosis: A Difficult Diagnosis
Authors: Qayyum Sohail , Parikh Jignesh G. , Zafar Nadeem
Published: July 2014

Angiosarcoma of the kidney is an exceedingly rare and aggressive neoplasm. Very few cases have been reported in the English literature to date. We report a case of primary renal angiosarcoma with extensive necrosis and discuss its diagnostic difficulties. An 86-year-old male presented with a 12 cm necrotic renal mass and multiple pulmonary and hepatic nodules. A CT guided renal biopsy revealed extensive necrosis and few vascular channels lined by malignant endothelial cells. Diagnosis was given on a morphologic base and proven by an immunohistochemical study. Primary renal angiosarcoma should be included among the differential diagnosis of necrotic renal lesions.
In Vitro Characterization of Six Month Dosage Forms for a GnRH Antagonist
Authors: D’Souza Susan , Murty Santos , Faraj Jabar A. , DeLuca Patrick P.
Published: July 2014

The objective of this study was to develop long-acting injectable dosage forms of Orntide, a peptide GnRH antagonist, to provide tailored release for 6-month duration. Using a polylactide homopolymer and the solvent extraction/evaporation method, three microsphere formulations (Formulations A, B, and C) were prepared at various drug loadings (11.85–15.79%). The microspheres were characterized for particle size by laser diffractometry, surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and bulk density by tapping, as well as long-term in vitro drug release, mass loss and hydration at 37°C, and short-term in vitro drug release at elevated temperatures (51–59°C). Experiments at 37°C revealed that drug release was triphasic and occurred due to slow degradation of the polylactide polymer. Short-term in vitro release results indicated that drug release was diffusional. Application of the Higuchi equation to short-term release confirmed the temperature dependency of the diffusional rate constant. Using the rate constant and the Arrhenius equation, an Ea value of 45 kcal/mol (Formulation A) and approximately 25 kcal/mol (Formulations B and C) was obtained for diffusional release. Study results suggest that by selection of an appropriate biodegradable polymer, injectable dosing forms that release drug for 6 months or longer can be developed.
Hemodynamic Influence of Different Pulmonary Stenosis Degree in Glenn Procedure: A Numerical Study
Authors: Ma Liancai , Liu Youjun , Zhao Xi , Ren Xiaochen , Bai Fan , Ding Jinli , Zhang Mingzi , Wang Wenxin , Xie Jinsheng , Zhang Hao , Zhao Zhou , Han Hua
Published: July 2014

Background. Single ventricle disease is treated by Glenn surgery. It is generally accompanied by stenosis on a pulmonary artery or its branches, which has great effect on hemodynamics. This study investigated the hemodynamic influence of different pulmonary stenosis degree in Glenn procedure. Materials. Four three-dimensional Glenn models with different left pulmonary artery stenosis rates as, respectively, 0% (model 1), 25% (model 2), 50% (model 3), and 75% (model 4) by the diameter were generated. Method. Geometric multiscale analysis method was used in the numerical simulations by coupling the lumped parameter model (LPM) and three-dimensional model. Results. During one cardiac cycle, the flow ratio between left pulmonary artery and superior vena cava was about 0.49 for models 1, 2, and 3, while the ratio decreased to 0.34 for model 4. On the other hand, hemodynamics parameters like power loss and oscillation shear index show complications of the stenosis to the postoperative development. Conclusion. When the stenosis rate is above 75%, it is suggested to treat stenosis before Glenn procedure, while when the stenosis rate is below 50%, there is no necessity to pay attention to it due to the little effect it makes.
Global Sensitivity Analysis of Fuzzy Distribution Parameter on Failure Probability and Its Single-Loop Estimation
Authors: Cheng Lei , Lu Zhenzhou , Li Luyi
Published: July 2014

An extending Borgonovo’s global sensitivity analysis is proposed to measure the influence of fuzzy distribution parameters on fuzzy failure probability by averaging the shift between the membership functions (MFs) of unconditional and conditional failure probability. The presented global sensitivity indices can reasonably reflect the influence of fuzzy-valued distribution parameters on the character of the failure probability, whereas solving the MFs of unconditional and conditional failure probability is time-consuming due to the involved multiple-loop sampling and optimization operators. To overcome the large computational cost, a single-loop simulation (SLS) is introduced to estimate the global sensitivity indices. By establishing a sampling probability density, only a set of samples of input variables are essential to evaluate the MFs of unconditional and conditional failure probability in the presented SLS method. Significance of the global sensitivity indices can be verified and demonstrated through several numerical and engineering examples.
Carcinoma Buccal Mucosa Underlying a Giant Cutaneous Horn: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Bijalwan Priyank , Saini Sunil K.
Published: July 2014

Cutaneous horn is a conical, dense, and hyperkeratotic protrusion that often appears similar to the horn of an animal. Giant cutaneous horns are rare; no incidence or prevalence has been reported. The significance of cutaneous horns is that they occur in association with, or as a response to, a wide variety of underlying benign, premalignant, and malignant cutaneous diseases. A case of giant cutaneous horn of left oral commissure along with carcinoma left buccal mucosa is reported here as an extremely rare oral/perioral pathology.
A Blind Blur Detection Scheme Using Statistical Features of Phase Congruency and Gradient Magnitude
Authors: Tiwari Shamik , Shukla V. P. , Biradar S. R. , Singh A. K.
Published: July 2014

The growing uses of camera-based barcode readers have recently gained a lot of attention. This has boosted interest in no-reference blur detection algorithms. Blur is an undesirable phenomenon which appears as one of the most frequent causes of image degradation. In this paper we present a new no-reference blur detection scheme that is based on the statistical features of phase congruency and gradient magnitude maps. Blur detection is achieved by approximating the functional relationship between these features using a feed forward neural network. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme gives robust blur detection scheme.
Multidrug Resistance: An Emerging Crisis
Authors: Tanwar Jyoti , Das Shrayanee , Fatima Zeeshan , Hameed Saif
Published: July 2014

The resistance among various microbial species (infectious agents) to different antimicrobial drugs has emerged as a cause of public health threat all over the world at a terrifying rate. Due to the pacing advent of new resistance mechanisms and decrease in efficiency of treating common infectious diseases, it results in failure of microbial response to standard treatment, leading to prolonged illness, higher expenditures for health care, and an immense risk of death. Almost all the capable infecting agents (e.g., bacteria, fungi, virus, and parasite) have employed high levels of multidrug resistance (MDR) with enhanced morbidity and mortality; thus, they are referred to as “super bugs.” Although the development of MDR is a natural phenomenon, the inappropriate use of antimicrobial drugs, inadequate sanitary conditions, inappropriate food-handling, and poor infection prevention and control practices contribute to emergence of and encourage the further spread of MDR. Considering the significance of MDR, this paper, emphasizes the problems associated with MDR and the need to understand its significance and mechanisms to combat microbial infections.
IKKβ‐Targeted Anti‐Inflammatory Activities of a Butanol Fraction of Artificially Cultivated Cordyceps pruinosa Fruit Bodies
Authors: Kim Han Gyung , Yang Woo Seok , Sung Gi-Ho , Kim Ji Hye , Baek Gwang-Soo , Kim Eunji , Yang Sungjae , Park Yung Chul , Sung Jae Mo , Yoon Deok Hyo , Kim Tae Woong , Hong Sungyoul , Kim Jong-Hoon , Cho Jae Youl
Published: July 2014

The inhibitory activities of the Cordyceps pruinosa butanol fraction (Cp‐BF) were investigated by determining inflammatory responses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated RAW264.7 macrophage cells and by evaluating HCl/ethanol (EtOH)‐triggered gastric ulcers in mice. The molecular mechanisms of the inhibitory effects of Cp‐BF were investigated by identifying target enzymes using biochemical and molecular biological approaches. Cp‐BF strongly inhibited the production of NO and TNF‐α, release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), phagocytic uptake of FITC‐dextran, and mRNA expression levels of interleukin (IL)‐6, inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF)‐α in activated RAW264.7 cells. Cp‐BF also strongly downregulated the NF‐κB pathway by suppressing IKKβ according to luciferase reporter assays and immunoblot analysis. Furthermore, Cp‐BF blocked both increased levels of NF‐κB‐mediated luciferase activities and phosphorylation of p65/p50 observed by IKKβ overexpression. Finally, orally administered Cp‐BF was found to attenuate gastric ulcer and block the phosphorylation of IκBα induced by HCl/EtOH. Therefore, these results suggest that the anti‐inflammatory activity of Cp‐BF may be mediated by suppression of IKKα and its downstream NF‐κB activation. Since our group has established the mass cultivation conditions by developing culture conditions for Cordyceps pruinosa, the information presented in this study may be useful for developing new anti‐inflammatory agents.
Design and Realization of a Planar Ultrawideband Antenna with Notch Band at 3.5 GHz
Authors: Azim Rezaul , Tariqul Islam Mohammad , Misran Norbahiah , Yatim Baharudin , Arshad Haslina
Published: July 2014

A small antenna with single notch band at 3.5 GHz is designed for ultrawideband (UWB) communication applications. The fabricated antenna comprises a radiating monopole element and a perfectly conducting ground plane with a wide slot. To achieve a notch band at 3.5 GHz, a parasitic element has been inserted in the same plane of the substrate along with the radiating patch. Experimental results shows that, by properly adjusting the position of the parasitic element, the designed antenna can achieve an ultrawide operating band of 3.04 to 11 GHz with a notched band operating at 3.31–3.84 GHz. Moreover, the proposed antenna achieved a good gain except at the notched band and exhibits symmetric radiation patterns throughout the operating band. The prototype of the proposed antenna possesses a very compact size and uses simple structures to attain the stop band characteristic with an aim to lessen the interference between UWB and worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) band.
Serum Osteopontin Level Correlates with Carotid-Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity in Geriatric Persons
Authors: Lee Chung-Jen , Wang Ji-Hung , Chen Yu-Chih , Chen Mei-Ling , Yang Chiu-Fen , Hsu Bang-Gee
Published: July 2014

Osteopontin (OPN) is involved in the regulation of vascular calcification processes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between fasting serum OPN concentration and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) in geriatric persons. Fasting blood samples were obtained from 93 geriatric persons. cfPWV were performed by SphygmoCor system. Serum OPN levels were measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Geriatric adults who had diabetes (P=0.007) or dyslipidemia (P=0.029) had higher cfPWV levels than those without diabetes or dyslipidemia. The univariable linear regression analysis showed that age (P=0.002), waist circumference (P=0.048), body mass index (P=0.004), systolic blood pressure (P=0.001), diastolic blood pressure (P=0.036), pulse pressure (P=0.017), creatinine (P=0.002), and log-OPN level (P=0.001) were positively correlated with cfPWV levels, while the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) level (P=0.007) and glomerular filtration rate (P=0.001) were negatively correlated with cfPWV levels among the geriatric adults. Multivariable forward stepwise linear regression analysis of the significant variables also showed that log-OPN (β=0.233,R2=0.123, regression coefficient: 1.868,P=0.011) was still an independent predictor of cfPWV levels in geriatric persons.
Proactive Student Engagement with Fitness to Practise
Authors: Lo Kristin , Maloney Stephen , Bearman Margaret , Morgan Prue
Published: July 2014

Fitness to practise (FTP) is fundamental to health professional education and health service delivery, impacting on both practitioner and client wellbeing. Literature exploring FTP support policies primarily identifies retrospective student support and management. This study describes student perceptions of an innovative FTP policy which supports students and staff to proactively identify FTP management strategies prior to entering the clinical environment. Forty-nine final year physiotherapy students were surveyed regarding their perceptions of self-declaring FTP. Ordinal data from Likert scales were reported using descriptive statistics. Thematic analysis was undertaken for open text responses. The response rate was 88%. Forty-two percent of students stated that they had experienced FTP concerns during the course. Concerns included physical and mental impairment and clinical competence issues. The majority of students (80%) indicated that they were “comfortable” or “very comfortable” in self-declaring FTP issues. Confidentiality, positive relationships with staff and a supportive environment enhanced likelihood of declaration. Eight students (19%) met with university staff to develop management strategies and all rated these meetings as “helpful” or “very helpful.” Students had positive perceptions of self-declaring their FTP to enable early development of management strategies. This strategy successfully navigates sensitive ethicolegal issues, empowering students to take responsibility for their own FTP.
Intra-QT Spectral Coherence as a Possible Noninvasive Marker of Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Piccirillo Gianfranco , Moscucci Federica , Persi Alessandro , Di Barba Daniele , Pappadà Maria Antonella , Rossi Pietro , Quaglione Raffaele , Nguyen Bich Lien , Barillà Francesco , Casenghi Matteo , Magrì Damiano
Published: July 2014

Sudden cardiac death is the main cause of mortality in patients affected by chronic heart failure (CHF) and with history of myocardial infarction. No study yet investigated the intra-QT phase spectral coherence as a possible tool in stratifying the arrhythmic susceptibility in patients at risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). We, therefore, assessed possible difference in spectral coherence between the ECG segment extending from theqwave to theTwave peak (QTp) and the one fromTwave peak to theTwave end (Te) between patients with and without Holter ECG-documented sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT). None of the QT variability indexes as well as most of the coherences and RR power spectral variables significantly differed between the two groups except for theQTp-Tespectral coherence. The latter was significantly lower in patients with sustained VT than in those without (0.508±0.150versus0.607±0.150,P<0.05). Although the responsible mechanism remains conjectural, theQTp-Tespectral coherence holds promise as a noninvasive marker predicting malignant ventricular arrhythmias.
Molecular Epidemiology of Genogroup II Noroviruses Infection in Outpatients with Acute Gastroenteritis in Nanjing, China (2010–2013)
Authors: Hong-ying Zhang , Li-min Shi , Wei Li , Xuan Wang , Meng-kai Qiao , Min He , Yan Wang , Guo-xiang Xie
Published: July 2014

Objective.Human noroviruses (NoVs) of genogroup II are the most common strains detected in sporadic cases of acute nonbacterial gastroenteritis in outpatients in Nanjing. To gain insight into the molecular epidemiology of GII strains, we analyzed 75 positive NoV cases from 2010 to 2013.Methods.The sporadic cases were detected by real-time PCR with specific primers and probes to human NoVs of genogroup I or II, human sapovirus, human rotavirus, human astrovirus, and human enteric adenovirus. Human NoVs of genogroup II were further studied by VP1 amplification (RT- PCR), cloning, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis.Results.Rotavirus and human NoVs were more frequently detected in all the cases from 2010 to 2013. Human NoVs infection was more frequent since 2011 and more frequent than rotavirus infection after 2012. Out of the 75 NoV cases of genogroup II, there were 5 GII.6, 11 GII.3, and 59 GII.4. Of the 59 GII.4, 27 cases were previous GII.4.2006b strains that circulated between 2010 and 2012; while 32 cases were the newly emerging GII.4 strains GII.4.2012 from 2011 to 2013.Conclusion.Our data confirm other studies on the rapid emergence and displacement of highly virulent GII.4 strains.
Diagnosis of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis and anIn SituHybridization Approach to Detect an “Unidentified” Pathogen
Authors: Enomoto Hirayuki , Inoue Shin-ichi , Matsuhisa Akio , Nishiguchi Shuhei
Published: July 2014

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a frequent and severe complication in cirrhotic patients with ascites. Although identifying the pathogen(s) plays a major role in the management of infectious diseases, ascitic fluid cultures often show negative results in patients with clinical signs and symptoms of SBP, and ascitic fluid cell analyses are the gold standard method for diagnosing SBP. SBP is generally diagnosed based on an increased number of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in the ascitic fluid (>250/mm3), and the identification of the causal pathogen may not be given consideration. We newly developed anin situhybridization (ISH) method to provide early and direct evidence of bacterial infection in ascites in patients with SBP. This paper will review the diagnosis of SBP, including our novel approach with ISH method to detect bacterial DNA in SBP ascitic fluid.
Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Transporters as Targets for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Nagahashi Masayuki , Takabe Kazuaki , Terracina Krista P. , Soma Daiki , Hirose Yuki , Kobayashi Takashi , Matsuda Yasunobu , Wakai Toshifumi
Published: July 2014

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a pleiotropic lipid mediator that regulates cell survival, migration, the recruitment of immune cells, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis, all of which are involved in cancer progression. S1P is generated inside cancer cells by sphingosine kinases then exported outside of the cell into the tumor microenvironment where it binds to any of five G protein coupled receptors and proceeds to regulate a variety of functions. We have recently reported on the mechanisms underlying the “inside-out” signaling of S1P, its export through the plasma membrane, and its interaction with cell surface receptors. Membrane lipids, including S1P, do not spontaneously exchange through lipid bilayers since the polar head groups do not readily go through the hydrophobic interior of the plasma membrane. Instead, specific transporter proteins exist on the membrane to exchange these lipids. This review summarizes what is known regarding S1P transport through the cell membrane via ATP-binding cassette transporters and the spinster 2 transporter and discusses the roles for these transporters in cancer and in the tumor microenvironment. Based on our research and the emerging understanding of the role of S1P signaling in cancer and in the tumor microenvironment, S1P transporters and S1P signaling hold promise as new therapeutic targets for cancer drug development.
Variational Iteration Method for Volterra Functional Integrodifferential Equations with Vanishing Linear Delays
Authors: Konuralp Ali , Sorkun H. Hilmi
Published: July 2014

Application process of variational iteration method is presented in order to solve the Volterra functional integrodifferential equations which have multi terms and vanishing delays where the delay functionθ(t)vanishes inside the integral limits such thatθ(t)=qtfor0<q<1,t≥0. Either the approximate solutions that are converging to the exact solutions or the exact solutions of three test problems are obtained by using this presented process. The numerical solutions and the absolute errors are shown in figures and tables.
Automatic Labeling of Vertebral Levels Using a Robust Template-Based Approach
Authors: Ullmann Eugénie , Pelletier Paquette Jean François , Thong William E. , Cohen-Adad Julien
Published: July 2014

Context. MRI of the spinal cord provides a variety of biomarkers sensitive to white matter integrity and neuronal function. Current processing methods are based on manual labeling of vertebral levels, which is time consuming and prone to user bias. Although several methods for automatic labeling have been published; they are not robust towards image contrast or towards susceptibility-related artifacts.Methods. Intervertebral disks are detected from the 3D analysis of the intensity profile along the spine. The robustness of the disk detection is improved by using a template of vertebral distance, which was generated from a training dataset. The developed method has been validated using T1- and T2-weighted contrasts in ten healthy subjects and one patient with spinal cord injury.Results. Accuracy of vertebral labeling was 100%. Mean absolute error was 2.1 ± 1.7 mm for T2-weighted images and 2.3 ± 1.6 mm for T1-weighted images. The vertebrae of the spinal cord injured patient were correctly labeled, despite the presence of artifacts caused by metallic implants.Discussion. We proposed a template-based method for robust labeling of vertebral levels along the whole spinal cord for T1- and T2-weighted contrasts. The method is freely available as part of the spinal cord toolbox.
Cost-Benefit Analysis and Emission Reduction of Energy Efficient Lighting at the Universiti Tenaga Nasional
Authors: Ganandran G. S. B. , Mahlia T. M. I. , Ong Hwai Chyuan , Rismanchi B. , Chong W. T.
Published: July 2014

This paper reports the result of an investigation on the potential energy saving of the lighting systems at selected buildings of the Universiti Tenaga Nasional. The scope of this project includes evaluation of the lighting system in the Library, Admin Building, College of Engineering, College of Information Technology, Apartments, and COE Food court of the university. The main objectives of this project are to design the proper retrofit scenario and to calculate the potential electricity saving, the payback period, and the potential environmental benefits. In this survey the policy for retrofitting the old lighting system with the new energy saving LEDs starts with 10% for the first year and continues constantly for 10 years until all the lighting systems have been replaced. The result of the life cycle analysis reveals that after four years, the selected buildings will bring profit for the investment.
Wireless Sensor Networks Energy Effectively Distributed Target Detection
Authors: Qi Xiaogang , Wei Peng , Liu Lifang , Xie Mande , Cai Guoyong
Published: July 2014

The target detection is a kind of very important application of wireless sensor networks. In this paper, we propose an energy effective distributed multisensor target detection method, which is different from the existing single sensor target detection methods, and target is detected by multisensor cooperation scheme. The first algorithm presents a method of the time series discretization to solve the distance of the target detected by the first connected node. The detected information is aggregated in the aggregating node, and the optimal path by the second algorithm is built up to transmit the aggregated packets to the sink. According to the simulation results, the probability of the single node target detection is compared with that of the multisensor collaborative target detection, and the influence of the weight coefficient on average node energy consumption is analyzed. Furthermore, we provide the optimal data sampling period of target detection data.
Cholangiocarcinoma with respect to IgG4 Reaction
Authors: Harada Kenichi , Nakanuma Yasuni
Published: July 2014

IgG4 reactions marked by infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in affected organs occur in cancer patients and in patients with IgG4-related diseases. Extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas including gall bladder cancer are often accompanied by significant IgG4 reactions; these reactions show a negative correlation with CD8-positive cytotoxic T cells, suggesting that the evasion of immune surveillance is associated with cytotoxic T cells. The regulatory cytokine IL-10 may induce IgG4-positive plasma cell differentiation or promote B cell switching to IgG4 in the presence of IL-4. Cholangiocarcinoma cells may function as nonprofessional antigen presenting cells that indirectly induce IgG4 reactions via the IL-10-producing cells and/or these may act as Foxp3-positive and IL-10-producing cells that directly induce IgG4 reactions. Moreover, IgG4-related disease is a high-risk factor for cancer development; IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) cases associated with cholangiocarcinoma or its precursor lesion biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN) have been reported. IgG4-positive cell infiltration is an important finding of IgG4-SC but is not a histological hallmark of IgG4-SC. For the diagnosis of IgG4-SC, its differentiation from cholangiocarcinoma remains important.
Row-Based Dual Vdd Assignment, for a Level Converter Free CSA Design and Its Near-Threshold Operation
Authors: Saha Dipankar , Chatterjee Aanan , Chatterjee Sayan , Sarkar C. K.
Published: July 2014

Subthreshold circuit designs are very much popular for some of the ultra-low power applications, where the minimum energy consumption is the primary concern. But, due to the weak driving current, these circuits generally suffer from huge performance degradation. Therefore, in this paper, we primarily targeted analyzing the performance of a near-threshold circuit (NTC), which retains the excellent energy efficiency of the subthreshold design, while improving the performance to a certain extent. A modified row-based dual Vdd 4-operand carry save adder (CSA) design has been reported in the present work using 45 nm technology. Moreover, to find out the effectiveness of the near-threshold operation of the 4-operand CSA design, it has been compared with the other design styles. From the simulation results, obtained for the frequency of 20 MHz, we found that the proposed scheme of CSA design consumes 3.009 ×10-7 Watt of average power (Pavg), which is almost 90.9% lesser than that of the conventional CSA design, whereas, looking at the perspective of maximum delay at output, the proposed scheme of CSA design provides a fair 44.37% improvement, compared to that of the subthreshold CSA design.
High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy in a Patient with Reperfusion Pulmonary Edema following Percutaneous Transluminal Pulmonary Angioplasty
Authors: Moriyama Kiyoshi , Satoh Toru , Motoyasu Akira , Kohyama Tomoki , Kotani Mariko , Kanai Riichiro , Ando Tadao , Yorozu Tomoko
Published: July 2014

A 62-year-old woman with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome was with recent worsening of dyspnea to New York Heart Association functional status Class III. The patient was diagnosed as having central type chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. By cardiac catheterization, her mean pulmonary artery pressure was 53 mmHg with total pulmonary resistance 2238 dynes·sec·cm−5. After medical therapies with tadalafil, furosemide, ambrisentan, beraprost, and warfarin were initiated, percutaneous transluminal pulmonary angioplasty (PTPA) was performed. Following PTPA, life-threating hypoxemia resulting from postoperative reperfusion pulmonary edema developed. High-flow nasal cannula therapy (HFNC) was applied, and 100% oxygen at 50 L/min of flow was required to keep oxygenation. HFNC was continued for 3 days, and the patient was discharged on 8th postoperative day with SpO2of 97% on 3 L/min of oxygen inhalation. Because of the simplicity of the technique, the lower cost of equipment, and remarkable patient tolerance to the treatment, we speculate that HFNC can take over the post of noninvasive ventilation as first-line therapy for patients with acute respiratory failure.
Enabling Lambertian-Like Warm White Organic Light-Emitting Diodes with a Yellow Phosphor Embedded Flexible Film
Authors: Chen Cheng-Chang , Lin Huang-Yu , Li Cheng-Hung , Wu Jin-Han , Tu Zong-Yi , Lee Li-Ling , Jeng Ming-Shan , Lin Chien-Chung , Jou Jwo-Huei , Kuo Hao-Chung
Published: July 2014

We demonstrate in this report a new constructive method of fabricating white organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) with a flexible plastic film embedded with yellow phosphor. The flexible film is composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and fabricated by using spin coating followed by peeling technology. From the results, the resultant electroluminescent spectrum shows the white OLED to have chromatic coordinates of 0.38 and 0.54 and correlated color temperature of 4200 K. The warm white OLED exhibits the yield of 10.3 cd/A and the luminous power efficiency of 5.4 lm/W at a luminance of 1000 cd/m2. A desirable Lambertian-like far-field pattern is detected from the white OLEDs with the yellow phosphor containing PDMS film. This method is simple, reproducible, and cost-effective, proving to be a highly feasible approach to realize white OLED.
Canard Limit Cycle of the Holling-Tanner Model
Authors: Zheng Chongwu , Zhang Fengqin , Li Jianquan
Published: July 2014

By using the singular perturbation theory on canard cycles, we investigate the canard phenomenon for the Holling-Tanner model with the intrinsic growth rate of the predator small enough. The obtained result shows that there may be at most one canard limit cycle, and the range of small parameters is estimated. The phenomenon of outbreak is explained.
Transducer Type and Design Influence on the Hearing Loss Compensation Behaviour of the Electromagnetic Middle Ear Implant in a Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Liu Houguang , Ge Shirong , Cheng Gang , Yang Jianhua , Rao Zhushi , Huang Xinsheng
Published: July 2014

Several types of electromagnetic transducer for the middle ear implants (MEIs) have been developed as an alternative to conventional hearing aids for the rehabilitation of sensorineural hearing loss. Electromagnetic transducer type and design are thought to have a significant influence on their hearing compensation performance. To investigate these effects, a middle ear computational model was constructed based on a complete set of microcomputerized tomography section images of a human ear. Its validity was confirmed by comparing the model predicted motions with published experimental measurements. The result shows that the eardrum driving transducer (EDT) is superior to the floating mass transducer (FMT) in hearing compensation when the transducer mass is small but inferior to the FMT when the mass gets bigger. The incus body driving transducer (IBDT) is the most ineffective type of transducer for hearing compensation. Moreover, the masses of the EDT and the FMT decrease the transducer performance mainly at higher frequencies: the greater the transducer mass, the lower the displacement of the stapes excited by these transducers. On the other hand, the IBDT driving rod stiffness decreases transducer's performance severely at low frequencies and its adverse effect on transducer performance increases with the decrease of the stiffness of the IBDT driving rod.
A Simple Quality Assessment Index for Stereoscopic Images Based on 3D Gradient Magnitude
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Shao Feng , Li Fucui , Yu Mei , Jiang Gangyi
Published: July 2014

We present a simple quality assessment index for stereoscopic images based on 3D gradient magnitude. To be more specific, we construct 3D volume from the stereoscopic images across different disparity spaces and calculate pointwise 3D gradient magnitude similarity (3D-GMS) along three horizontal, vertical, and viewpoint directions. Then, the quality score is obtained by averaging the 3D-GMS scores of all points in the 3D volume. Experimental results on four publicly available 3D image quality assessment databases demonstrate that, in comparison with the most related existing methods, the devised algorithm achieves high consistency alignment with subjective assessment.