bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional disturbances in blood flow and metabolism in equine limb wound healing with formation of exuberant granulation tissue
Authors: Sørensen Mette A. , Petersen Lars J. , Bundgaard Louise , Toft Nils , Jacobsen Stine
Published: June 2014

As in other fibroproliferative disorders, hypoxia has been suggested to play a key role in the pathogenesis of exuberant granulation tissue (EGT). The purpose of this study was to investigate metabolism and blood flow locally in full‐thickness wounds healing with (limb wounds) and without (body wounds) formation ofEGT. Microdialysis was used to recover endogenous metabolites from the wounds, and laserDoppler flowmetry was used to measure blood flow. Measurements were performed before wounding and 1–28 days after wounding. Blood flow was consistently lower in limb wounds than in body wounds throughout the study period with no change over time. After wounding and throughout the study period, the glucose concentration was significantly lower in limb wounds than in body wounds, whereas the lactate level showed a significantly higher concentration in limb wounds. The lactate/glucose ratio displayed a significant difference between body and limb wounds. In conclusion, the metabolic disturbances may suggest an inadequate oxygen supply during the wound healing process in equine limb wounds healing withEGT. This may be related to the inherently decreased perfusion in the wound bed of limb wounds.
Measurement of the absorption coefficient of sound absorbing materials under a synthesized diffuse acoustic field
Authors: Robin Olivier , Berry Alain , Doutres Olivier , Atalla Noureddine
Published: June 2014

This letter proposes an experimental method to estimate the absorption coefficient of sound absorbing materials under a synthesized diffuse acoustic field in free-field conditions. Comparisons are made between experiments conducted with this approach, the standard reverberant room method, and numerical simulations using the transfer matrix method. With a simple experimental setup and smaller samples than those required by standards, the results obtained with the proposed approach do not exhibit non-physical trends of the reverberant room method and provide absorption coefficients in good agreement with those obtained by simulations for a laterally infinite material.
Public Expectation, Pressure, and Avoiding the Choke: A Case Study from Elite Sport
Authors: Hodge Ken , Smith Wayne
Published: June 2014

This case study focused on pressure, stereotype threat, choking, and the coping experiences of the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team during the period from 2004-2011 leading into their success at the 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC). Employing a narrative approach this case study examined public expectation, pressure, and coach-led coping strategies designed to “avoid the choke” by the All Blacks team. An in-depth interview was completed with one of the All Blacks’ coaches and analyzed via collaborative thematic analysis (Riessman, 2008). In addition multiple secondary data sources (e.g., coach & player autobiographies; media interviews) were analyzed via holistic-content analysis (Lieblich et al., 1998). Collectively these analyses revealed five key themes: public expectation and pressure, learning from 2007 RWC, coping with RWC pressure, decision-making under pressure, and avoiding the choke. Practical recommendations are offered for team sport coaches with respect to coping with pressure and avoiding choking.
Multiparametric MRI followed by targeted prostate biopsy for men with suspected prostate cancer: a clinical decision analysis
Authors: Willis Sarah R , Ahmed Hashim U , Moore Caroline M , Donaldson Ian , Emberton Mark , Miners Alec H , van der Meulen Jan
Published: June 2014

Objective

To compare the diagnostic outcomes of the current approach of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsy in men with suspected prostate cancer to an alternative approach using multiparametric MRI (mpMRI), followed by MRI-targeted biopsy if positive.

Design

Clinical decision analysis was used to synthesise data from recently emerging evidence in a format that is relevant for clinical decision making.

Population

A hypothetical cohort of 1000 men with suspected prostate cancer.

Interventions

mpMRI and, if positive, MRI-targeted biopsy compared with TRUS-guided biopsy in all men.

Outcome measures

We report the number of men expected to undergo a biopsy as well as the numbers of correctly identified patients with or without prostate cancer. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis was carried out using Monte Carlo simulation to explore the impact of statistical uncertainty in the diagnostic parameters.

Results

In 1000 men, mpMRI followed by MRI-targeted biopsy ‘clinically dominates’ TRUS-guided biopsy as it results in fewer expected biopsies (600 vs 1000), more men being correctly identified as having clinically significant cancer (320 vs 250), and fewer men being falsely identified (20 vs 50). The mpMRI-based strategy dominated TRUS-guided biopsy in 86% of the simulations in the probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions

Our analysis suggests that mpMRI followed by MRI-targeted biopsy is likely to result in fewer and better biopsies than TRUS-guided biopsy. Future research in prostate cancer should focus on providing precise estimates of key diagnostic parameters.
A stitch in time…
Authors: Main David
Published: June 2014

THIS series gives readers the opportunity to consider and contribute to discussion of some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in veterinary practice. Each month, a case scenario is presented, followed by discussion of some of the issues involved.

In addition, a possible way forward is suggested; however, there is rarely a cut‐and‐dried answer in such cases, and readers may wish to suggest an alternative approach. This month's dilemma, ‘A stitch in time. . . ’, was submitted and is discussed by Paul Roger. Readers with comments to contribute are invited to send them as soon as possible, so that they can be considered for publication in the next issue. Discussion of the dilemma ‘Financial incentives’, which was published in the May issue of In Practice, appears on page 311.

The series is being coordinated by Siobhan Mullan, of the University of Bristol. It is hoped it will provide a framework that will help practices find solutions when facing similar dilemmas.
Comments on the dilemma in the May issue: ‘Financial incentives’
Authors: Williams Duncan
Published: June 2014

The dilemma in the May issue dealt with the appropriateness of financial incentives, based solely on turnover, due to the possible conflict of interest that could arise between a practice's finances and the welfare needs of patients (In Practice, May 2014, volume 36, pages 262‐263). David Main argued that although incentivising staff can seem like a legitimate management tool to encourage good performance, poorly designed incentives could lead to the promotion of unnecessary products and services, which could lead to a negative impact on patient welfare, as well as challenge the caring reputation of the profession. He suggested that the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme should prohibit performance‐related pay based on turnover, and that the profession should use an evidence‐based approach to investigate and advocate better incentive systems.
Theoretical study of phenol and hydroxyl radical reaction mechanism in aqueous medium by the DFT/B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p)/CPCM model
Authors: Jayathilaka Pavithra Bhakthi , Pathiraja Gayani Chathurika , Bandara Athula , Subasinghe Nalaka Deepal , Nanayakkara Nadeeshani
Published: June 2014

Four different possible reaction pathways of phenol and hydroxyl radical reaction were investigated theoretically by density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP with the 6-31+G(d,p) calculations under the conductor-like polarized continuum model (CPCM). According to frontier molecule orbital theory, both the highest occupied orbital and lowest occupied orbital of phenol (25th orbital) showed –602.79 and –43.53 kJ mol−1molecular orbital energies, respectively. This resulted in a 559.27 kJ mol−1relative energy gap. Relative energies of the ortho product radical (o-PR) (i.e., –54.08 kJ mol−1) was lower than those of both the para product radical (p-PR) (–50.03 kJ mol−1) and the meta product radical (m-PR) (–47.10 kJ mol−1). Then, o-PR was found to be the energetically most stable product radical. The ortho addition reaction path was confirmed as the most possible reaction path and its major intermediate was found as catechol with 99.09% product distribution. Percentages of hydroquinone, resorcinol, and phynoxyl radicals in the system were found as 0.053%, 0.029%, and 0.009%, respectively.
Application of stable isotope analysis to differentiate shrimp extracted by industrial fishing or produced through aquaculture practices
Authors: Gamboa-Delgado Julián , Molina-Poveda César , Godínez-Siordia Daniel Enrique , Villarreal-Cavazos David , Ricque-Marie Denis , Cruz-Suárez Lucía Elizabeth
Published: June 2014

Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope values were determined in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) with the objective of discriminating animals produced through aquaculture practices from those extracted from the wild. Farmed animals were collected at semi-intensive shrimp farms in Mexico and Ecuador. Fisheries-derived shrimps were caught in different fishing areas representing two estuarine systems and four open sea locations in Mexico and Ecuador. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope values (δ13CVPDB and δ15NAIR) allowed clear differentiation of wild from farmed animals. δ13CVPDB and δ15NAIR values in shrimps collected in the open sea were isotopically enriched (−16.99‰ and 11.57‰), indicating that these organisms belong to higher trophic levels than farmed animals. δ13CVPDB and δ15NAIR values of farmed animals (−19.72‰ and 7.85‰, respectively) partially overlapped with values measured in animals collected in estuaries (−18.46‰ and 5.38‰, respectively). Canonical discriminant analysis showed that when used separately and in conjunction, δ13CVPDB and δ15NAIR values were powerful discriminatory variables and demonstrate the viability of isotopic evaluations to distinguish wild-caught shrimps from aquaculture shrimps. Methodological improvements will define a verification tool to support shrimp traceability protocols.
Breeding site selection by coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in relation to large wood additions and factors that influence reproductive success
Authors: Clark Steven M. , Dunham Jason B. , McEnroe Jeffrey R. , Lightcap Scott W.
Published: June 2014

The fitness of female Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) with respect to breeding behavior can be partitioned into at least four fitness components: survival to reproduction, competition for breeding sites, success of egg incubation, and suitability of the local environment near breeding sites for early rearing of juveniles. We evaluated the relative influences of habitat features linked to these fitness components with respect to selection of breeding sites by coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). We also evaluated associations between breeding site selection and additions of large wood, as the latter were introduced into the study system as a means of restoring habitat conditions to benefit coho salmon. We used a model selection approach to organize specific habitat features into groupings reflecting fitness components and influences of large wood. Results of this work suggest that female coho salmon likely select breeding sites based on a wide range of habitat features linked to all four hypothesized fitness components. More specifically, model parameter estimates indicated that breeding site selection was most strongly influenced by proximity to pool-tail crests and deeper water (mean and maximum depths). Linkages between large wood and breeding site selection were less clear. Overall, our findings suggest that breeding site selection by coho salmon is influenced by a suite of fitness components in addition to the egg incubation environment, which has been the emphasis of much work in the past.
Native vacancy defects in bismuth sulfide
Authors: Zhan Si-Qi , Wan Hui , Xu Liang , Huang Wei-Qing , Huang Gui-Fang , Long Jin-Ping , Peng P.
Published: June 2014

Bismuth sulfide ( Bi 2S3) exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity under visible light. We perform first-principles, density-function theory (DFT) calculations of the electronic structure for the Bi 2S3 with native vacancy to facilitate its applications by gaining insight into the role of native defects. We find that the Bi vacancies are effective p-type defects for Bi 2S3, while the S vacancies induce an intermediate level appearing in the band gap. Besides one Bi vacancy, the native vacancy defect at other four inequivalent positions in Bi 2S3 leads to a reduction of band gap. Moreover, the change of band gap depends on the position of native vacancy defect. The results indicate that the native defects are the most likely physical cause for the scattered band gaps obtained by experiments. The influence of native vacancy defects on the photocatalytic properties of Bi 2S3 is also discussed.
Improvement of a controlled quantum secure direct communication protocol
Authors: Shen Dongsu , Ma Wenping , Wang Meiling , Yin Xunru
Published: June 2014

A security loophole exists in Gao et al.'s controlled quantum secure direct communication protocol. By employing the security loophole, the receiver can obtain the secret message sent by the sender without the permission of the controller in their protocol. In order to avoid this loophole, we present an improved protocol in this paper. In the improved protocol, entangled particles are prepared at random in two GHZ-like states, which ensure that the receiver is not able to recover the secret message without knowing the initially entangled state. Compared with the other improved version whose security depends on the perfect quantum channel, our improved protocol is secure in a noisy quantum channel. Therefore, our protocol is more practical.
A MATHEMATICAL COUPLED MODEL OF OXYGEN TRANSPORT IN THE MICROCIRCULATION: THE EFFECT OF CONVECTION–DIFFUSION ON OXYGEN TRANSPORT
Authors: ZHAO NING , IRAMINA KEIJI
Published: June 2014

This paper is aimed at examining the effect of convection–diffusion on oxygen transport at the micro-level. A coupled model of the convection–diffusion and molecular diffusion of oxygen is developed, and the solid deformation resulting from capillary fluctuations and the seepage of tissue fluid are incorporated into this model. The results indicate that (1) the oxygen concentration calculated from this coupled model is higher than that given by molecular diffusion models, both within the capillaries and tissue (maximum difference of 16%); (2) convection–diffusion has the greatest effect in tissue surrounding the middle of the capillary, and enhances the amount of oxygen transported to cells far from the oxygen source; (3) larger permeability coefficients or smaller diffusion coefficients produce a more obvious convection–diffusion effect; (4) a counter-current flow occurs near the inlet and outlet ends of the capillary. This model also provides a foundation for the study of how oxygen affects tumor growth.
Types of depth and formula size
Authors: Kalorkoti K.
Published: June 2014

We use a rank-based measure on rational expressions in indeterminates over a field and define notions of size and depth with associated subparts of formulae for expressions. Formulae are allowed to have as inputs expressions from a large set rather than just constants and indeterminates. A general lower bound is derived and this is used to deduce an exponential lower bound, subject to depth assumptions, on the formula size of the determinant with inputs restricted to the usual constants and indeterminates. The general bound is also used to show that a polynomial which is closely related to the determinant has exponential formula size if either (i) some types of operations do not occur in the formula or (ii) some assumptions on depth hold (the inputs allowed here are from a large set).
Sensor Placement with Multiple Objectives for Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Bhuiyan Md Zakirul Alam , Wang Guojun , Cao Jiannong , Wu Jie
Published: June 2014

Structural health monitoring (SHM) refers to the process of implementing a damage detection and characterization strategy for engineering structures. Its objective is to monitor the integrity of structures and detect and pinpoint the locations of possible damages. Although wired network systems still dominate in SHM applications, it is commonly believed that wireless sensor network (WSN) systems will be deployed for SHM in the near future, due to their intrinsic advantages. However, the constraints (e.g., communication, fault tolerance, energy) of WSNs must be considered before their deployment on structures. In this article, we study the methodology of sensor placement optimization for WSN-based SHM. Sensor placement plays a vital role in SHM applications, where sensor nodes are placed on critical locations that are of civil/structural engineering importance. We design a three-phase sensor placement approach, named TPSP, aiming to achieve the following objectives: finding a high-quality placement for a given set of sensors that satisfies the engineering requirements, ensuring communication efficiency and reliability and low placement complexity, and reducing the probability of failures in a WSN. Along with the sensor placement, we enable sensor nodes to develop “connectivity trees” in such a way that maintaining structural health state and network connectivity, for example, in case of a sensor fault, can be done in a distributed manner. The trees are constructed once (unlike dynamic clusters or trees) and do not incur additional communication costs for the WSN. We optimize the performance of TPSP by considering multiple objectives: low communication cost, fault tolerance, and lifetime prolongation. We validate the effectiveness and performance of TPSP through both simulations using real datasets and a proof-of-concept system on a physical structure.
Low-Cost Indoor Location Management for Robots Using IR Leds and an IR Camera
Authors: Tas Baris , Altiparmak Nihat , Tosun Ali Şaman
Published: June 2014

Many applications in wireless sensor networks can benefit from position information. However, existing accurate solutions for indoor environments are costly. Radio-Frequency (RF)-based approaches are not suitable for some indoor environments such as factory floors where heavy machinery can cause interference. We propose a low-cost and simple location management system using infrared (IR) leds and the Wii Remote Controller (WRC) which has an IR camera. The proposed solution is motivated by the need to find the location of a mobile robot used for data collection in a wireless sensor network. In the proposed schemes, the WRC is placed vertically on the mobile robot pointing upward and IR leds are placed irregularly on the ceiling. The mobile robot determines its position using the relative positions of the IR leds detected by the WRC. The WRC senses a few IR leds at a time, and they are differentiated using the irregularity among them. We analyze the problem theoretically and show that there exist limitations for covering large areas. We also discuss how to overcome these limitations. For small coverage areas, we provide
optimal
solutions using linear programming. The proposed scheme uses the resources efficiently and can cover a large area using a single WRC and multiple IR leds. We have simulation results including nonvertical placements of the WRC. The proposed scheme is easy to implement and requires minimal bandwidth for location management.
Color-Based Algorithm for Automatic Merging of Multiview 3D Point Clouds
Authors: Hołowko Elwira , Wojsz Jerzy , Sitnik Robert , Karaszewski Maciej
Published: June 2014

In this article, a method of merging point clouds using the modified Harris corner detection algorithm for extracting interest points of textured 3D point clouds is proposed. A new descriptor characterizing point features for identifying corresponding points in datasets is presented. The merging process is based on the Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC) algorithm, which enables calculation of the geometric transformation between point clouds based on a set of interest points that includes incorrect samples, called outliers. The proposed processing path is designed to integrate many directional measurements, which are acquired with a 3D scanner and are represented as unsorted point clouds (x, y, z) with color information (R, G, B). Exemplary measurements shown in this article represent sections of ceiling in the King's Chinese Cabinet of the Museum of King Jan III's Palace at Wilanow in Warsaw, Poland, as well as some more complex objects. Experimental verification confirms the effectiveness of the proposed method in integrating directional measurements of objects with detailed texture, particularly if they have no unique geometric features.
An Effective Floorplan-Guided Placement Algorithm for Large-Scale Mixed-Size Designs
Authors: Yan Jackey Z. , Viswanathan Natarajan , Chu Chris
Published: June 2014

In this article we propose an effective algorithm flow to handle modern large-scale mixed-size placement, both with and without geometry constraints. The basic idea is to use floorplanning to guide the placement of objects at the global level. The flow consists of four steps: (1) The objects in the original netlist are clustered into blocks; (2) floorplanning is performed on the blocks; (3) the blocks are shifted within the chip region to further optimize the wirelength; (4) with large macro-locations fixed, incremental placement is applied to place the remaining objects. There are several advantages to handling placement at the global level with a floorplanning technique. First, the problem size can be significantly reduced. Second, exact Half-Perimeter WireLength (HPWL) can be minimized. Third, better object distribution can be achieved so that legalization only needs to handle minor overlaps among small objects in a block. Fourth, macro-rotation and various geometry constraints can be handled. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this new flow, we implement a high-quality and efficient floorplan-guided placer called
FLOP
. We also construct the Modern Mixed-Size (MMS) placement benchmarks that can effectively represent the complexities of modern mixed-size designs and the challenges faced by modern mixed-size placers. Compared with most state-of-the-art mixed-size placers and leading macroplacers, experimental results show that FLOP achieves the best HPWL and easily obtains legal solutions on all circuits with all geometry constraints satisfied.
Estrellita
Authors: Hayes Gillian R. , Cheng Karen G. , Hirano Sen H. , Tang Karen P. , Nagel Marni S. , Baker Dianne E.
Published: June 2014

In this article, we describe the design process and principles used in the development of Estrellita, a tool to support parents of preterm infants to track health data. We tested Estrellita in the homes of seven families for 4 months while following seven additional families without Estrellita. The feedback from this trial, including in-depth interviews, surveys, and log analyses, sheds light on how parents can use a mobile data collection tool to enhance their problem-solving processes about their own health and that of their infants, as well as to share with others who support them in this care. In addition to presenting the design of a recording technology for preterm infants and its use in a real-life setting, the results of this research provide a deep understanding of how technology can and should be used to support home care of at-risk patients, in which data capture may be essential.
Olfactory Adaptation in Virtual Environments
Authors: Ramic-Brkic Belma , Chalmers Alan
Published: June 2014

Visual perception is becoming increasingly important in computer graphics. Research on human visual perception has led to the development of perception-driven computer graphics techniques, where knowledge of the human visual system (HVS) and, in particular, its weaknesses are exploited when rendering and displaying 3D graphics. Findings on limitations of the HVS have been used to maintain high perceived quality but reduce the computed quality of some of the image without this quality difference being perceived. This article investigates the amount of time for which (if at all) such limitations could be exploited in the presence of smell. The results show that for our experiment, adaptation to smell does indeed affect participants’ ability to determine quality difference in the animations. Having been exposed to a smell before undertaking the experiment, participants were able to determine the quality in a similar fashion to the “no smell” condition, whereas without adaptation, participants were not able to distinguish the quality difference.
An Optimized Network Selection and Handover Triggering Scheme for Heterogeneous Self‐Organized Wireless Networks
Authors: Khan Murad , Han Kijun
Published: June 2014

Optimizing the balance between different handover parameters for network selection is one of the challenging tasks for seamless communication in heterogeneous networks. Traditional approaches for network selection are mostly based on the Receive Signal Strength (RSS) from the Point of Attachment (PoA) of a network. Most of these schemes are suffered from high handover delay, false handover indications, and inappropriate network selection for handover. To address these problems, we present an optimized network selection scheme based on the speed of a mobile node. A mechanism based on two different thresholds on the speed of a Mobile Node (MN) is integrated in the proposed scheme. If the speed of an MN is greater than any of the threshold, the MN performs handover to a particular network. We employ Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) in the proposed scheme to select the best PoA of the selected network. Similarly, to deal with false handover indications, we proposed an optimized handover triggering technique. We compare our proposed scheme with existing schemes in context of energy consumption for scanning, frequent and failed handovers, packet loss ratio, and handover delay. The proposed scheme shows superior performance and it outperforms existing schemes used for similar purpose. Moreover, simulation results show the accuracy and performance of the proposed scheme.
In VivoInflammatory Effects of Ceria Nanoparticles on CD-1 Mouse: Evaluation by Hematological, Histological, and TEM Analysis
Authors: Poma Anna , Ragnelli Anna Maria , de Lapuente Joaquin , Ramos David , Borras Miquel , Aimola Pierpaolo , Di Gioacchino Mario , Santucci Sandro , De Marzi Laura
Published: June 2014

The attention on CeO2-NPs environmental andin vivoeffects is due to their presence in diesel exhaust and in diesel filters that release a more water-soluble form of ceria NPs, as well as to their use for medical applications. In this work, acute and subacutein vivotoxicity assays demonstrate no lethal effect of these NPs. Anyhow, performingin vivoevaluations on CD-1 mouse systems, we demonstrate that it is even not correct to assert that ceria NPs are harmless for living systems as they can induce status of inflammation, revealed by hematological-chemical-clinical assays as well as histological and TEM microscope observations. TEM analysis showed the presence of NPs in alveolar macrophages. Histological evaluation demonstrated the NPs presence in lungs tissues and this can be explained by assuming their ability to go into the blood stream and lately into the organs (generating inflammation).
Isolation ofCorynebacterium pseudotuberculosisBiovarequifrom a Horse in Central Iowa
Authors: Hepworth-Warren Kate L. , Sponseller Beatrice T. , Wong David M. , Kinyon Joann M.
Published: June 2014

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosisbiovarequiis the causative agent of “pigeon fever,” or “dryland distemper” in horses. The agent is typically identified in the Western United States but has recently been identified in Canada; it has not previously been documented as cause of infection in horses in Iowa. This report describes the clinical findings of two horses in Iowa that presented with pectoral abscessation, confirmed in one to beC. pseudotuberculosisbiovarequi.
Determination of the Köthe-Toeplitz Duals over the Non-Newtonian Complex Field
Authors: Kadak Uğur
Published: June 2014

The important point to note is that the non-Newtonian calculus is a self-contained system independent of any other system of calculus. Therefore the reader may be surprised to learn that there is a uniform relationship between the corresponding operators of this calculus and the classical calculus. Several basic concepts based on non-Newtonian calculus are presented by Grossman (1983), Grossman and Katz (1978), and Grossman (1979). Following Grossman and Katz, in the present paper, we introduce the sets of bounded, convergent, null series andp-bounded variation of sequences over the complex fieldC*and prove that these are complete. We propose a quite concrete approach based on the notion of Köthe-Toeplitz duals with respect to the non-Newtonian calculus. Finally, we derive some inclusion relationships between Köthe space and solidness.
Leader‐Based Consensus of Heterogeneous Nonlinear Multiagent Systems
Authors: Sun Tairen , Pan Yongping , Yu Haoyong
Published: June 2014

This paper considers the leader‐based consensus of heterogeneous multiple agents with nonlinear uncertain systems. Based on the information obtained from the following agents’ neighbors, leader observers are designed by the following agents to estimate the leader’s states and nonlinear dynamics. Then, to achieve leader‐based consensus, adaptive distributed controllers are designed for the following agents to track the designed corresponding leader observers.
The effectiveness of the leader observers and distributed consensus controllers are illustrated by formal proof and simulation results.
A Rare Cause of Acute Abdomen: An Isolated Falciform Ligament Necrosis
Authors: Ozkececı Ziya Taner , Ozsoy Mustafa , Celep Bahadır , Bal Ahmet , Polat Coskun
Published: June 2014

The falciform ligament is one of the anatomical structures which attach the liver to the diaphragm and anterior abdominal wall. Primary falciform ligament is very rare. In this article, we present a case of an isolated falciform ligament necrosis, a rare primary pathology of the falciform ligament, who was admitted with acute abdomen. Case presentation: A 64-year-old female patient was admitted with the complaints of pain. Laboratory test results showed a leukocyte count of 17,000/mm3. Imaging studies demonstrated intra-abdominal reactionary fluid along with a heterogeneous mass localized in the falciform ligament. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a necrotic mass of the falciform ligament. No other pathology responsible for falciform ligament necrosis was found. We believe that falciform ligament necrosis should be considered a preliminary diagnosis, if any ligament abnormality, tumor, intraligament air density, or the presence of reactionary fluid surrounding the ligament is detected through abdominal imaging studies.
Oscillation Theorems for Second-Order Nonlinear Neutral Delay Differential Equations
Authors: Li Tongxing , Rogovchenko Yuriy V.
Published: June 2014

We analyze the oscillatory behavior of solutions to a class of second-order nonlinear neutral delay differential equations. Our theorems improve a number of related results reported in the literature.
Optimization of Processor Clock Frequency for Sensor Network Nodes Based on Energy Use and Timing Constraints
Authors: Kim Youngmin , Joo Heeju , Lee Chan-Gun
Published: June 2014

The effectiveness of sensor networks depends critically on efficient power management of the sensor nodes. Dynamic voltage frequency scaling (DVFS) and dynamic power management (DPM) have been proposed to enable energy-efficient scheduling for real-time and embedded systems. However, most power-aware scheduling algorithms are designed to deal with only those cases in which the task execution time is determined solely by the clock frequency of the processor. In this study, we propose an extended task execution model that is appropriate for the sensor nodes and an algorithm that determines the optimal clock frequency for a node's processor. We analyze the extended model and verify that our algorithm calculates the clock frequency that optimizes energy savings while satisfying the timing constraints.
Amelioration of LPS-Induced Inflammation Response in Microglia by AMPK Activation
Authors: Chen Chin-Chen , Lin Jiun-Tsai , Cheng Yi-Fang , Kuo Cheng-Yi , Huang Chun-Fang , Kao Shao-Hsuan , Liang Yao-Jen , Cheng Ching-Yi , Chen Han-Min
Published: June 2014

Adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key regulator of cellular energy homeostasis via modulating metabolism of glucose, lipid, and protein. In addition to energy modulation, AMPK has been demonstrated to associate with several important cellular events including inflammation. The results showed that ENERGI-F704 identified from bamboo shoot extract was nontoxic in concentrations up to 80 μM and dose-dependently induced phosphorylation of AMPK (Thr-172) in microglia BV2 cells. Our findings also showed that the treatment of BV2 with ENERGI-F704 ameliorated the LPS-induced elevation of IL-6 and TNF-αproduction. In addition, ENERGI-F704 reduced increased production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) via downregulating the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), respectively. Moreover, ENERGI-F704 decreased activated nuclear translocation and protein level of NF-κB. Inhibition of AMPK with compound C restored decreased NF-κB translocation by ENERGI-F704. In conclusion, ENERGI-F704 exerts inhibitory activity on LPS-induced inflammation through manipulating AMPK signaling and exhibits a potential therapeutic agent for neuroinflammatory disease.
Paroxysmal Sneezing at the Onset of Syncopes and Transient Ischemic Attack Revealing a Papillary Cardiac Fibroelastoma
Authors: Mathis Stéphane , Lamy Matthias , Ciron Jonathan , Iljicsov Anna , Arjmand Roxana , Agius Pierre , Neau Jean-Philippe
Published: June 2014

Sneezing can at times be associated with neurological disorders. The “sneeze center” is localized in the lateral medulla. We report the case of a 50-year-old man who presented three episodes of sneezing, two of them followed by an episode of transient gait instability and dizziness and the third one followed by an episode of transient left hemiparesis due to fibroelastoma of the aortic cardiac valve. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of a transient ischemic attack due to cardiac papillary fibroelastoma and revealed by violent episodes of sneezing.
Growth Kinetics and Mechanistic Action of Reactive Oxygen Species Released by Silver Nanoparticles fromAspergillus nigeronEscherichia coli
Authors: Ninganagouda Shivaraj , Rathod Vandana , Singh Dattu , Hiremath Jyoti , Singh Ashish Kumar , Mathew Jasmine , ul-Haq Manzoor
Published: June 2014

Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs), the real silver bullet, are known to have good antibacterial properties against pathogenic microorganisms. In the present study AgNPs were prepared from extracellular filtrate ofAspergillus niger. Characterization of AgNPs by UV-Vis spectrum reveals specific surface plasmon resonance at peak 416 nm; TEM photographs revealed the size of the AgNPs to be 20–55 nm. Average diameter of the produced AgNPs was found to be 73 nm with a zeta potential that was −24 mV using Malvern Zetasizer. SEM micrographs showed AgNPs to be spherical with smooth morphology. EDS revealed the presence of pure metallic AgNPs along with carbon and oxygen signatures. Of the different concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 μg/mL) used 10 μg/mL were sufficient to inhibit 107 CFU/mL ofE. coli. ROS production was measured using DCFH-DA method and the the free radical generation effect of AgNPs on bacterial growth inhibition was investigated by ESR spectroscopy. This paper not only deals with the damage inflicted on microorganisms by AgNPs but also induces cell death through the production of ROS released by AgNPs and also growth kinetics ofE. colisupplemented with AgNPs produced byA. niger.
Chinese Herbal Medicine Bushen Qinggan Formula for Blood Pressure Variability and Endothelial Injury in Hypertensive Patients: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Clinical Trial
Authors: Wu Chunxiao , Zhang Jingchun , Zhao Yingke , Chen Jing , Liu Yue
Published: June 2014

Background. Blood pressure variability (BPV) independent of average blood pressure is related to cardiovascular damage. Meanwhile, BPV is also associated with measures of endothelial injury. Decoction, a traditional used form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is inconvenient to prepare, carry, and store. Dispensing granules is now developing as an alternative to decoction, but the evidence supporting its clinical efficacy the same as decoction remains unclear. Objective. To examine the therapeutic effects on mean blood pressure (MBP), blood pressure variability, and endothelial function by giving Bushen Qinggan Formula, a compound Chinese Herbal Medicine and also to evaluate the difference in efficacy between decoction and granule. Methods. A total of 150 patients with hypertension were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive the placebo, Bushen Qinggan decoction, or Bushen Qinggan granule in addition to the standard medications (amlodipine‐5 mg/d) for the treatment of essential hypertension (EH). The outcome was the reduction in the MBP and BPV and also included changes in the endothelial markers including endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and nitric oxide (NO) after 8 weeks of treatment. Results. Compared with the control group, the Bushen Qinggan decoction and granule groups had significant improvement (P < 0.01) in BPV and endothelial founction. The level of BPV and endothelial function between decoction and granule group had no significant difference (P > 0.05). Conclusion. Based on the standard treatment, Bushen Qinggan Formula further improved BPV and endothelial function. The efficacy of Bushen Qinggan decoction and granule is similar in improving BPV and endothelial function. However, no significant antihypertensive effects could be demonstrated.
Irinotecan Plus S-1 Followed by Hepatectomy for a Patient with Initially Unresectable Colorectal Liver Metastases, Who Showed Severe Drug Rash with Oxaliplatin Plus 5-FU and Leucovorin (FOLFOX)
Authors: Komori Hiroyuki , Beppu Toru , Sakamoto Yasuo , Miyamoto Yuji , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Imai Katsunori , Nitta Hidetoshi , Watanabe Masayuki , Baba Hideo
Published: June 2014

For unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), hepatic resection with or without chemotherapy is the only curative treatment that sufficiently achieves long-term survival. However, occasional severe allergic responses to anticancer drugs necessitate treatment discontinuation. A 45-year-old woman presented with metachronous unresectable colorectal liver metastases. Chemotherapy with oxaliplatin plus 5-FU and leucovorin (FOLFOX) was initiated, but severe allergic dermatitis developed after the second cycle. Although she reported no prior history of adverse reactions to tegafur-uracil, a drug lymphocyte stimulation test showed an allergic response to 5-FU. We subsequently replaced with Irinotecan plus S-1 (IRIS) chemotherapy which was well tolerated and resulted in a partial response after 3 cycles. As a result, right trisectionectomy was successfully performed and no recurrence was detected in the following 3 years. A severe allergic reaction to intravenous 5-FU-containing drug regimens can be successfully alleviated by switching to S-1-containing regimens such as IRIS or S-1 plus oxaliplatin (SOX).
Research on Continuous Injection Direct Rolling Process for PMMA Optical Plate
Authors: Wang HaiXiong , Lv YongHu , Li Jibin , Lou Yan , Kong LingBao
Published: June 2014

Continuous injection direct rolling (CIDR) combined intermittent injection and rolling process is a new technology for molding optical polymer plates with microstructured patterns; research on forming PMMA optical plates is an aspect of it in this paper. The equipment of CIDR process consists of plastic injection module, precision rolling module, and automatic coiling module. Based on the establishing mathematical CIDR models, numerical analysis was used to explode the distribution of velocity, temperature, and pressure in injection-rolling zone. The simulation results show that it is feasible to control the temperature, velocity, and injection-rolling force, so it can form polymer plate under certain process condition. CIDR experiment equipment has been designed and produced. PMMA optical plate was obtained by CIDR experiments, longitudinal thickness difference is 0.005 mm/200 mm, horizontal thickness difference is 0.02/200 mm, transmittance is 86.3%, Haze is 0.61%, and the difference is little compared with optical glasses. So it can be confirmed that CIDR process is practical to produce PMMA optical plates.
Visões da modernidade: análise de algumas representações artísticas sobre as transformações de São Paulo no início do século XX
Authors: Costa Sabrina Studart Fontenele
Published: June 2014

Este artigo pretende explicitar como as diversas transformações por que passou a cidade de São Paulo no início do século XX, relacionadas ao contexto de modificações técnicas, sociais e culturais da modernidade, fizeram-se presentes em inúmeras representações artísticas. Foram utilizados como fonte de estudo relatos de visitantes e obras em suportes variados, tais como pinturas e gravuras, textos literários (crônicas, romances e poesias) e cenas do filme "São Paulo, Sinfonia da Metrópole".
A revista brasília na construção da Nova Capital: Brasília (1957-1962)
Authors: Cappello Maria Beatriz Camargo
Published: June 2014

Esse texto apresenta a revista brasília, publicação mensal da Companhia Urbanizadora da Nova Capital do Brasil (Novacap), como fonte de pesquisa da história da construção, inauguração e consolidação de Brasília. Trataremos dos números 1 a 64 de brasília, editados entre janeiro de 1957 a abril de 1962, com seus relatos dos anos da construção da capital - voltados para a arquitetura e urbanismo de Oscar Niemeyer e Lucio Costa -, sua inauguração e os dois primeiros anos após a inauguração até o golpe militar de 1964. Destacaremos alguns textos sobre arquitetura e urbanismo que tiveram importância no debate em torno da construção de Brasília.
A via Rio Claro e a produção da cidade de Limeira
Authors: Queiroz Alessandra Natali
Published: June 2014

O artigo enfatiza a compreensão da dinâmica de estruturação do espaço urbano de Limeira - cidade de médio porte da Região Administrativa de Campinas. Discute-se a proliferação de assentamentos de vários tipos e iniciativas e de como tais assentamentos participam da organização urbana, colaborando, ou não, na promoção de uma melhor qualidade de vida para a população residente.
O Brasileiro e o seu ego-carro: uma visão sociológica européia sobre o ato de dirigir em um "país do futuro"
Authors: Gegner Martin
Published: June 2014

O transporte urbano é um tema bastante incomum para uma análise sociológica - não apenas no Brasil. Considera-se o assunto pertencente ao planejamento urbano e não à sociologia. Estabelecer o planejamento urbano modernista como modelo hegemônico após a 2ª Guerra Mundial, tinha o intuito de garantir o fluxo rápido e individual com o carro próprio. Mas, além dessa aproximação funcional, o transporte é também um fato social. O trânsito constitui o espaço público - especialmente no Brasil. Dificilmente podemos observar códigos e condutas sociais em outros lugares que na sociedade brasileira são tão explícitas: a grande diferença de classes e a violência cotidiana. Enquanto sociólogos normalmente se referem à violência como o número crescente de assaltos armados nas cidades brasileiras, este artigo focaliza formas de violência em nível menor: a violência de motoristas de carros contra transeuntes mais fracos nas ruas do País, tais como pedestres, ciclistas e motoqueiros. Com base na metodologia da Sociologia Visual (Gegner 2007), esta abordagem de pesquisa também integra métodos etnográficos na linha de Claude Levi-Strauss (1955). A alienação científica do pesquisador encontra apoio na lacuna cultural entre as tradições urbanas européias e brasileiras. Isso possibilita a discussão crítica de hábitos e circunstâncias que são "normais" para a maioria dos brasileiros e que, portanto, não são sequer questionadas. Assim, o "olho sociológico" (Hughes, 1971) da Escola de Chicago é reforçado pela alienação "natural" do pesquisador. Para os olhos europeus - acostumados a códigos bem diferentes na sociabilidade do trânsito - os hábitos brasileiros nas ruas parecem ser uma violação constante aos direitos humanos, como o direito à integridade pessoal e o direito de viver sem medo. Como o transporte urbano é um espaço social dominante na vida da maioria dos brasileiros, seus efeitos na psique dos indivíduos não podem ser negados. Esse artigo ressalta que agressividade e contra-agressão no trânsito são um sintoma, mas não a causa. Esta está enraizada em problemas estruturais da sociedade brasileira. A explicação hipotética para este "nível menor de violência" está no planejamento urbano modernista. Uma vez que foi implantado de forma mais drástica no Brasil, os efeitos psicológicos dos habitantes também são mais drásticos: combinando a constituição psicológica individual, com base na grande diferença de classes e desigualdade social, os indivíduos de destaque dentro do planejamento modernista, os motoristas de carro, quase não mostram nenhum respeito pelo "outro", comportando-se como "donos" das ruas.
O Plano de Cidades Históricas (PCH) no planejamento governamental brasileiro e o desenvolvimento urbano e regional (1973-1979)
Authors: Correa Sandra Rafaela , Faria Rodrigo Santos de
Published: June 2014

Este artigo é um primeiro movimento interpretativo sobre as relações entre políticas urbanas e patrimoniais no contexto do planejamento governamental brasileiro, sobretudo aquele empreendido a partir do golpe de 1964, focando particularmente no contexto da elaboração e implementação do Programa de Reconstrução de Cidades Históricas (PCH). Para isso, iniciamos com a análise do contexto político e econômico em que foram gerados o I e o II PND durante os governos Médici (1969-1974) e Geisel (1974-1979). Por fim, investigaremos os conflitos que ocorreram durante a elaboração desses conceitos e planos e a implementação do PCH.
Do Metabolismo: cidades do futuro para nosso mundo contemporâneo
Authors: Oliveira Fabiano Lemes de
Published: June 2014

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Tipo, indústria e produção habitacional
Authors: Pulhez Magaly Marques
Published: June 2014

Partindo do debate sobre modernidade, cultura e economia na Alemanha do início do século XX, o texto enfoca a Deutsche Werkbund, Muthesius e seus partidários em suas abordagens sobre tipo e tipificação, indústria e serialização, e os conflitos próprios do sistema cultural capitalista em que estavam inseridos. Adiante, problematiza contrapontos e aproximações desta discussão com as formulações de Walter Gropius sobre a fabricação industrial de moradia para as massas e as experiências europeias no entreguerras, propondo reflexões sobre a empreitada habitacional brasileira, quando se vivenciou, nos anos 1960, uma política pública de peso, baseada em escala, racionalização e traços de industrialização.
Processo produtivo de elementos pré-moldados de concreto armado: detecção de manifestações patológicas
Authors: Milani Cleovir José , Boesing Rodrigo , Philippsen Rogério Alberto , Miotti Luiz Antonio
Published: June 2014

O estudo correlaciona as patologias com o processo produtivo de elementos pré-moldados de concreto que vêm sendo empregados por empresas que atuam na região oeste de Santa Catarina e sudoeste do Paraná. O trabalho identifica as patologias que são originadas ainda no processo de produção, investiga as causa de tais patologias e propõe medidas mitigadoras. Fundamentado em visitas técnicas, o estudo verificou como ocorre a produção dos pré-moldados, englobando itens que abrangem desde o recebimento e estocagem da matériaprima, preparação do concreto, formas, armaduras, logística, até a expedição do produto acabado para o consumidor.