bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutagenesis of the E1 Domain of Sindbis Virus Glycoprotein Alters its pH-Dependent Fusion
Authors: Lee Chi-Lin , Liu Yarong , Dang Jason , Joo Kye-Il , Wang Pin
Published: July 2014

Sindbis virus pathogenesis can be affected by mutations at residues 75 and 237, individually or in combination, of the E1 domain of the viral glycoprotein. To understand the changes in fusion properties driven by these mutations, we constructed three new fusogen molecules (FMs) derived from the Sindbis virus glycoprotein (G75D, S237A and G75DS237A), and investigated their fusion activity using lentiviral nanovectors. The co-expression of FMs and antibodies on the viral particles, were shown to mediate viral transduction on targeted cells. We found that the G75D mutation enhances the transduction efficiency by broadening the pH range required for fusion. Conversely, the S237A mutation impairs infectivity; however, adding the G75D site mutation to this molecule (G75DS237A) was able to partially restore infectivity. We further demonstrate that G75D can initiate virus fusion in both the early and the late endosomes, while S237A requires that the virus be functionally transported to the late endosomes for fusion to occur. This study sheds light on the mechanism by which mutations in FMs can affect viral fusion and transduction, and explores the use of our FM-bound lentiviral nanovector platform as tool to elucidate the mechanisms of viral membrane fusion.
A highly sensitive microsphere-based assay for early detection of Type I diabetes
Authors: Bale Shyam Sundhar , Price Gavrielle , Casali Monica , Saeidi Nima , Bhushan Abhinav , Yarmush Martin L.
Published: July 2014

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is a T-cell mediated autoimmune disease in which deterioration of insulin producing pancreatic β-cells leads to a state of insulin deficiency. It has been shown that the clinical symptoms of T1DM are preceded by presence of islet cell autoantibodies (ICA) in serum. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) based detection of ICA are the current gold standard for diagnosis of T1DM. While the onset of hyperglycemia is an indicator of onset of T1DM, detection of ICA within the serum is important to differentiate T1DM from ketogenic Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY). Due to their limited range of sensitivity, however, RIA cannot detect ICA at low concentrations in serum which could lead to delay in proper diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the use of radioactive species presents major disadvantages including exposure, waste removal, need for specialized licensed facilities to conduct the tests and the time required for the test (> 24 hours). To overcome these limitations, we have developed a rapid, highly sensitive, fluorescent and microsphere-based assay technique using Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA), to profile T1DM marker antibodies in serum. This assay utilizes the ability of RCA to detect very small amounts of DNA coupled with microsphere-immobilization resulting in an assay which is at least 50 times more sensitive than RIA. Further, this assay method requires very low volume of sample (5 μL), and can be easily adapted to detect other autoantibodies at similar sensitivities while reducing the assay time to ~6 hours. This powerful technique could enable detection of T1DM markers much earlier than current methods and enable earlier intervention to deter the progression of disease. In addition, the modularity of this assay would have implications for enhancing the sensitivities of any standard ELISA technique.
MaternalPRKAA1andEDNRAgenotypes are associated with birth weight, andPRKAA1with uterine artery diameter and metabolic homeostasis at high altitude
Authors: Bigham Abigail W. , Julian Colleen G. , Wilson Megan J. , Vargas Enrique , Browne Vaughn A. , Shriver Mark D. , Moore Lorna G.
Published: July 2014

Low birth weight and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) increase the risk of mortality and morbidity during the perinatal period as well as in adulthood. Environmental and genetic factors contribute to IUGR, but the influence of maternal genetic variation on birth weight is largely unknown. We implemented a gene-by-environment study wherein we utilized the growth restrictive effects of high altitude. Multigenerational high-altitude residents (Andeans) are protected from altitude-associated IUGR compared with recent migrants (Europeans). Using a combined cohort of low- and high-altitude European and Andean women, we tested 63 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 16 natural selection-nominated candidate gene regions for associations with infant birth weight. We identified significant SNP associations with birth weight near coding regions for two genes involved in oxygen sensing and vascular control, PRKAA1 and EDNRA, respectively. Next, we identified a significant association for the PRKAA1 SNP with an intermediate phenotype, uterine artery diameter, which has been shown to be related to Andean protection from altitude-associated reductions in fetal growth. To explore potential functional relationships for the effect of maternal SNP genotype on birth weight, we evaluated the relationship between maternal PRKAA1 SNP genotype and gene expression patterns in general and, in particular, of key pathways involved in metabolic homeostasis that have been proposed to play a role in the pathophysiology of IUGR. Our observations suggest that maternal genetic variation within genes that regulate oxygen sensing, metabolic homeostasis, and vascular control influence fetal growth and birth weight outcomes and hence Andean adaptation to high altitude.
The Different Dose-Volume Effects of Normal Tissue Complication Probability Using LASSO for Acute Small-Bowel Toxicity during Radiotherapy in Gynecological Patients with or without Prior Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Lee Tsair-Fwu , Huang Eng-Yen
Published: July 2014

Purpose. To develop normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) model with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to analyze dose-volume effects that influence the incidence of acute diarrhea among gynecological patients with/without prior abdominal surgery.Methods and Materials. Ninety-five patients receiving gynecologic radiotherapy (RT) were enrolled. The endpoint was defined as the grade 2+acute diarrhea toxicity during treatment. We obtained the range of small-bowel volume in V4 Gy to V40 Gy of dose.Results. The number of patients experiencing grade 2+acute diarrhea toxicity was 23/61 (38%) in the group without abdominal surgery (group 0) and 17/34 (50%) patients with abdominal surgery (group 1). The most significant predictor was found for the logistic NTCP model with V16 Gy as the cutoff dose for group 0 and V40 Gy for group 1. Logistic regression NTCP model parameters were TV10≈ 290 cc for V16 Gy and TV10≈ 75 cc for V40 Gy, respectively.Conclusion. To keep the incidence of grade 2+acute small-bowel toxicity below 10%, we suggest that small-bowel volume above the prescription dose (V16 Gy) should be held to <290 cc for patients without abdominal surgery, and the prescription dose (V40 Gy) should be maintained <75 cc for patients with abdominal surgery.
On Generalized Derivations ofBCI-Algebras and Their Properties
Authors: Kamali Ardekani L. , Davvaz B.
Published: July 2014

We introduce the concept of(f,g)-derivations ofBCI-algebras and we investigate some fundamental properties and establish some results on(f,g)-derivations. Also, we treat to generalization of right derivation and left derivation ofBCI-algebras and consider some related properties.
Asymptotic Modeling of the Thin Film Flow with a Pressure-Dependent Viscosity
Authors: Marušić-Paloka Eduard , Pažanin Igor
Published: July 2014

We study the lubrication process with incompressible fluid taking into account the dependence of the viscosity on the pressure. Assuming that the viscosity-pressure relation is given by the well-known Barus law, we derive an effective model using asymptotic analysis with respect to the film thickness. The key idea is to conveniently transform the governing system and then apply two-scale expansion technique.
Paternal Occupational Exposure to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals as a Risk Factor for Leukaemia in Children: A Case-Control Study from the North of England
Authors: Pearce Mark S. , Baxter Lucy R. , Parker Louise
Published: July 2014

Occupations with exposures to a variety of chemicals, including those thought to be potential endocrine disruptors, have been associated with an increased risk of leukaemia in offspring. We investigated whether an association exists between paternal occupations at birth involving such exposures and risk of leukaemia in offspring. Cases (n=958) were matched, on sex and year of birth, to controls from two independent sources, one other cancers, one cancer-free live births. Paternal occupations at birth were classified, using an occupational exposure matrix, as having “very unlikely,” “possible,” or “likely” exposure to six groups of potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals. There was a significantly increased risk of acute nonlymphocytic leukaemia (ANLL) for polychlorinated organic compounds (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.08–3.54) only in comparison with cancer-free controls, and for phthalates (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.00–2.61) only with registry controls. A number of other, including inverse, associations were seen, but limited to one control group only. No associations were seen with likely paternal exposure to heavy metals. The associations identified in this study require further investigation, with better exposure and potential confounding (for example maternal variables) information, to evaluate the likelihood of true associations to assess whether they are real or due to chance.
Strong Convergence Theorems for Two Total Quasi‐ϕ‐Asymptotically Nonexpansive Mappings in Banach Spaces
Authors: He Xi-bing , Hui Xiao-jian , Xing Hui
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this paper is to establish some strong convergence theorems for a common fixed point of two total quasi‐ϕ‐asymptotically nonexpansive mappings in Banach space by means of the hybrid method in mathematical programming. The results presented in this paper extend and improve on the corresponding ones announced by Martinez‐Yanes and Xu (2006), Plubtieng and Ungchittrakool (2007), Qin et al. (2009), and many others.
Diversity and Enzymatic Profiling of Halotolerant Micromycetes from Sebkha El Melah, a Saharan Salt Flat in Southern Tunisia
Authors: Jaouani Atef , Neifar Mohamed , Prigione Valeria , Ayari Amani , Sbissi Imed , Ben Amor Sonia , Ben Tekaya Seifeddine , Varese Giovanna Cristina , Cherif Ameur , Gtari Maher
Published: July 2014

Twenty-one moderately halotolerant fungi have been isolated from sample ashes collected from Sebkha El Melah, a Saharan salt flat located in southern Tunisia. Based on morphology and sequence inference from the internal transcribed spacer regions, 28S rRNA gene and other specific genes such asβ-tubulin, actin, calmodulin, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, the isolates were found to be distributed over 15 taxa belonging to 6 genera of Ascomycetes:Cladosporium(n=3),Alternaria(n=4),Aspergillus(n=3),Penicillium(n=5),Ulocladium(n=2), andEngyodontium(n=2). Their tolerance to different concentrations of salt in solid and liquid media was examined. ExceptingCladosporium cladosporioidesJA18, all isolates were considered as alkali-halotolerant since they were able to grow in media containing 10% of salt with an initial pH 10. All isolates were resistant to oxidative stresses and low temperature whereas 5 strains belonging toAlternaria,Ulocladium,andAspergillusgenera were able to grow at 45°C. The screening of fungal strains for sets of enzyme production, namely, cellulase (CMCase), amylase, protease, lipase, and laccase, in presence of 10% NaCl, showed a variety of extracellular hydrolytic and oxidative profiles. Protease was the most abundant enzyme produced whereas laccase producers were members of the genusCladosporium.
A Numerical Approach to Determine Attitude Dynamics of Floating Bodies with Irregular Configurations
Authors: Chen Jiann-Lin , Chu Li-Ming , Wen Chan-Chuan
Published: July 2014

This study acquires the attitude dynamics of floating bodies with irregular configurations using an effective computational model, which has been validated theoretically and verified by experiments. By comparison a correlation formula was described to predict inclinations for the floating slender body imitating an excise torpedo. Thereafter a computational model was developed to account for bodies with attitudes in more general situations. For demonstration, a submersible was simulated to reveal that the inclinations vary abruptly around certain longitudinal locations of center of gravity. The property variations during water ingress assumption were presented. Similar to the virtue tank, an innovative concept of building the numerical data base for a specific floating body has been proposed, by which the position of its center of gravity can be obtained by interpolation from attitude data in tables as determined by the present computational model.
Functioning of Women with Migraine Headaches
Authors: Talarska Dorota , Zgorzalewicz-Stachowiak Małgorzata , Michalak Michał , Czajkowska Agrypina , Hudaś Karolina
Published: July 2014

Background. Migraines are one of the most commonly occurring ailments affecting the nervous system. The aim of this research paper was to evaluate the effect migraines have on the everyday functioning of women.Method. The study involved women with diagnosed migraine headaches (IHS-2004) undergoing treatment at a neurological clinic. In order to evaluate the influence of headaches on the everyday functioning of women, a MSQ v.2 questionnaire was used, whereas pain severity was assessed on a linear VAS scale.Results. Among the clinical factors, the most influential was the frequency of headaches. Headache duration was particularly significant for women below the age of 40. Pain severity cited at 8–10 pts on the VAS significantly disrupted and limited everyday functioning. On the emotional function subscale, the most influential factors were age, education, and the frequency of headaches.Conclusions. On account of headache frequency emerging as the most significant influencing factor, it is of the utmost importance to inform patients of the value of taking prophylactic measures. Central to this is the identification of factors that trigger the onset of migraines. This approach would greatly aid the individual in choosing the appropriate treatment, either pharmacological or others.
The Optimum Wavelet Base of Wavelet Analysis in Coal Rock Microseismic Signals
Authors: Tang Shoufeng , Tong Minming , He Xinmin
Published: July 2014

Coal rock rupture microseismic signal is characterized by time-varying, nonstationary, unpredictability, and transient property. Wavelet transform is an important method in microseismic signals processing. However, different wavelet bases yield different results when analyzing the same signal. To study the comparability of different wavelet bases in analyzing microseismic signals, the current paper uses the microseismic signals released from coal rock bursting as the research subject. Through the analysis of the properties of commonly used wavelet basis functions and the characteristics of coal rock microseismic signals, the current study found that Coiflet and Symlet wavelets are suitable for analyzing coal rock microseismic signals. Sym 8 and Coif 2 wavelets were found to be suitable for analyzing and denoising coal rock microseismic signals. After Sym 8 wavelet denoising, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the root mean square error were 30.4184 and 1.3109 E–07, respectively. After Coif 2 wavelet denoising, the SNR and the root mean square error values were 35.2176 and 1.0312 E–07, respectively. The results will aid in the analysis and extraction of coal rock microseismic signals.
K-rasMutational Status in Cytohistological Tissue as a Molecular Marker for the Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Jing , Li Jingjing , Zhu Rong , Zhang Huawei , Zheng Yuanyuan , Dai Weiqi , Wang Fan , Shen Miao , Chen Kan , Cheng Ping , Zhang Yan , Wang Chengfen , Wang Junshan , Xia Yujing , Lu Jie , Zhou Yingqun , Guo Chuanyong
Published: July 2014

Background. More clinically meaningful diagnostic tests are needed in pancreatic cancer (PC).K-rasmutations are the most frequently acquired genetic alteration.Methods. Original research articles involving the diagnostic accuracy ofK-rasmutation detection in PC were selected. Data were presented as forest plots and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve analysis was used to summarize the overall test performance.Results. We assessed 19 studies from 16 published articles. The reports were divided into three groups according to the process used to obtain the test material. The summary estimates for detectingK-rasstatus using an invasive method (fine needle aspiration (FNA), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), or surgery) were better than cytology: the pooled sensitivity was 77% (95% confidence interval (CI): 74–80%) versus 54% (95% CI: 47–61%); specificity was 88% (95% CI: 85–91%) versus 91% (95% CI: 83–96%); and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was 20.26 (11.40–36.03) versus 7.52 (95% CI: 2.80–20.18), respectively. When two procedures were combined, the diagnostic accuracy was markedly improved.Conclusions. The analysis ofK-rasmutations in pancreatic tissue has a promising diagnostic significance in PC. Further valuable studies are needed.
Effect of Cocoa Butter and Sunflower Oil Supplementation on Performance, Immunoglobulin, and Antioxidant Vitamin Status of Rats
Authors: Yıldırım Ebru , Çınar Miyase , Yalçınkaya İlkay , Ekici Hüsamettin , Atmaca Nurgül , Güncüm Enes
Published: July 2014

This study investigated the effects of cocoa butter and sunflower oil alone and in combination on performance, some biochemical parameters, immunoglobulin, and antioxidant vitamin status in Wistar rats. Forty-eight male rats were assigned to four groups, consisting of 12 rats with 3 replicates. Control received balanced rat diet without oil, cocoa butter group received 3.5% cocoa butter, sunflower oil group received 3.5% sunflower oil, the last group received 1.75% sunflower oil + 1.75% cocoa butter supplementation in the rat diet for 8 weeks. The total feed consumption in sunflower oil group was statistically lower than in the other groups. The serum creatinine level was decreased in cocoa butter group compared to control. Triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol levels were decreased in only sunflower oil and only cocoa butter groups as compared to control. The level of Ig M was statistically lower in cocoa butter and cocoa butter + sunflower oil groups than in control and sunflower oil groups. There were no statistically important difference in vitamin concentrations among trial groups. It was concluded that the supplementation of cocoa butter in diet decreased Ig M level, while the supplementation of cocoa butter and sunflower oil alone decreased the triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol levels.
Validation of a New Instrument for Self-Assessment of Nurses’ Core Competencies in Palliative Care
Authors: Slåtten Kari , Hatlevik Ove , Fagerström Lisbeth
Published: July 2014

Competence can be seen as a prerequisite for high quality nursing in clinical settings. Few research studies have focused on nurses’ core competencies in clinical palliative care and few measurement tools have been developed to explore these core competencies. The purpose of this study was to test and validate the nurses’ core competence in palliative care (NCPC) instrument. A total of 122 clinical nurse specialists who had completed a postbachelor program in palliative care at two university colleges in Norway answered the questionnaire. The initial analysis, with structural equation modelling, was run in Mplus 7. A modified confirmatory factor analysis revealed the following five domains: knowledge in symptom management, systematic use of the Edmonton symptom assessment system, teamwork skills, interpersonal skills, and life closure skills. The actual instrument needs to be tested in a practice setting with a larger sample to confirm its usefulness. The instrument has the potential to be used to refine clinical competence in palliative care and be used for the training and evaluation of palliative care nurses.
Endocan Levels in Peripheral Blood Predict Outcomes of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Tang Ling , Zhao Ying , Wang Daoxin , Deng Wang , Li Changyi , Li Qi , Huang Shicong , Shu Chang
Published: July 2014

Purpose.To investigate the prognostic significance of endocan, compared with procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP),white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils (N), and clinical severity scores in patients with ARDS.Methods.A total of 42 patients with ARDS were initially enrolled, and there were 20 nonsurvivors and 22 survivors based on hospital mortality. Plasma levels of biomarkers were measured and the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) was calculated on day 1 after the patient met the defining criteria of ARDS.Results.Endocan levels significantly correlated with the APACHE II score in the ARDS group (r=0.676,P=0.000,n=42). Of 42 individuals with ARDS, 20 were dead, and endocan was significantly higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors (median (IQR) 5.01 (2.98–8.44) versus 3.01 (2.36–4.36) ng/mL,P=0.017). According to the results of the ROC-curve analysis and COX proportional hazards models, endocan can predict mortality of ARDS independently with a hazard ratio of 1.374 (95% CI, 1.150–1.641) and an area of receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.715 (P=0.017). Moreover, endocan can predict the multiple-organ dysfunction of ARDS.Conclusion.Endocan is a promising biomarker to predict the disease severity and mortality in patients with ARDS.
Comparative Analysis for Robust Penalized Spline Smoothing Methods
Authors: Wang Bin , Shi Wenzhong , Miao Zelang
Published: July 2014

Smoothing noisy data is commonly encountered in engineering domain, and currently robust penalized regression spline models are perceived to be the most promising methods for coping with this issue, due to their flexibilities in capturing the nonlinear trends in the data and effectively alleviating the disturbance from the outliers. Against such a background, this paper conducts a thoroughly comparative analysis of two popular robust smoothing techniques, the M‐type estimator and S‐estimation for penalized regression splines, both of which are reelaborated starting from their origins, with their derivation process reformulated and the corresponding algorithms reorganized under a unified framework. Performances of these two estimators are thoroughly evaluated from the aspects of fitting accuracy, robustness, and execution time upon the MATLAB platform. Elaborately comparative experiments demonstrate that robust penalized spline smoothing methods possess the capability of resistance to the noise effect compared with the nonrobust penalized LS spline regression method. Furthermore, the M‐estimator exerts stable performance only for the observations with moderate perturbation error, whereas the S‐estimator behaves fairly well even for heavily contaminated observations, but consuming more execution time. These findings can be served as guidance to the selection of appropriate approach for smoothing the noisy data.
Effect of Sodium Carbonate Concentrations on the Formation and Mechanism of Regenerated Silk Fibroin Nanofibers by Electrospinning
Authors: Dou Hao , Zuo Baoqi
Published: July 2014

Degumming is the first process for the preparation of all silk‐based products. In this paper, effect of sodium carbonate concentrations for silk degumming on the formation of electrospun silk fibroin nanofibers was investigated and the reason for the silk electrospinning process was explained for the first time by differences from the microstructure of regenerated silk fibroin. With increasing the sodium carbonate concentration, microstructure both in the aqueous solutions and in the electrospinning solutions transformed from nanofibrils to nanoparticles, leading to obvious changes on rheological property; electrospinning solutions with nanofibrils behaved like the native silk dope and owned remarkably higher viscosity than the solutions with nanoparticles showing very low viscosity. More interestingly, nanofibrils favored the formation of silk nanofibers with ease, and even nanofibers could be electrospun at concentration 2%. However, nanoparticles were completely unable to generate nanofibers at high spinning concentration 8%. Importance of sodium carbonate concentrations is heavily emphasized for impacting the microstructure types and further influencing the electrospinning performance of regenerated silk. Hence, sodium carbonate concentrations provide a controllable choice for the preparation of silk‐based electrospun biomaterials with desired properties.
Acoustic Source Localization via Subspace Based Method Using Small Aperture MEMS Arrays
Authors: Zhang Xin , Song Enliang , Huang JingChang , Liu Huawei , Wang YuePeng , Li Baoqing , Yuan Xiaobing
Published: July 2014

Small aperture microphone arrays provide many advantages for portable devices and hearing aid equipment. In this paper, a subspace based localization method is proposed for acoustic source using small aperture arrays. The effects of array aperture on localization are analyzed by using array response (array manifold). Besides array aperture, the frequency of acoustic source and the variance of signal power are simulated to demonstrate how to optimize localization performance, which is carried out by introducing frequency error with the proposed method. The proposed method for 5 mm array aperture is validated by simulations and experiments with MEMS microphone arrays. Different types of acoustic sources can be localized with the highest precision of 6 degrees even in the presence of wind noise and other noises. Furthermore, the proposed method reduces the computational complexity compared with other methods.
Alternative Splicing Generates Different Parkin Protein Isoforms: Evidences in Human, Rat, and Mouse Brain
Authors: Scuderi Soraya , La Cognata Valentina , Drago Filippo , Cavallaro Sebastiano , D'Agata Velia
Published: July 2014

Parkinson protein 2, E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (PARK2) gene mutations are the most frequent causes of autosomal recessive early onset Parkinson’s disease and juvenile Parkinson disease. Parkin deficiency has also been linked to other human pathologies, for example, sporadic Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease, autism, and cancer.PARK2primary transcript undergoes an extensive alternative splicing, which enhances transcriptomic diversification. To date severalPARK2splice variants have been identified; however, the expression and distribution of parkin isoforms have not been deeply investigated yet. Here, the currently knownPARK2gene transcripts and relative predicted encoded proteins in human, rat, and mouse are reviewed. By analyzing the literature, we highlight the existing data showing the presence of multiple parkin isoforms in the brain. Their expression emerges from conflicting results regarding the electrophoretic mobility of the protein, but it is also assumed from discrepant observations on the cellular and tissue distribution of parkin. Although the characterization of each predicted isoforms is complex, since they often diverge only for few amino acids, analysis of their expression patterns in the brain might account for the different pathogenetic effects linked toPARK2gene mutations.
Fault Prediction for Nonlinear System Using Sliding ARMA Combined with Online LS‐SVR
Authors: Su Shengchao , Zhang Wei , Zhao Shuguang
Published: July 2014

A robust online fault prediction method which combines sliding autoregressive moving average (ARMA) modeling with online least squares support vector regression (LS‐SVR) compensation is presented for unknown nonlinear system. At first, we design an online LS‐SVR algorithm for nonlinear time series prediction. Based on this, a combined time series prediction method is developed for nonlinear system prediction. The sliding ARMA model is used to approximate the nonlinear time series; meanwhile, the online LS‐SVR is added to compensate for the nonlinear modeling error with external disturbance. As a result, the one‐step‐ahead prediction of the nonlinear time series is achieved and it can be extended to n‐step‐ahead prediction. The result of the n‐step‐ahead prediction is then used to judge the fault based on an abnormity estimation algorithm only using normal data of system. Accordingly, the online fault prediction is implemented with less amount of calculation. Finally, the proposed method is applied to fault prediction of model‐unknown fighter F‐16. The experimental results show that the method can predict the fault of nonlinear system not only accurately but also quickly.
A Comparative Study of Fuzzy Logic, Genetic Algorithm, and Gradient‐Genetic Algorithm Optimization Methods for Solving the Unit Commitment Problem
Authors: Marrouchi Sahbi , Ben Saber Souad
Published: July 2014

Due to the continuous increase of the population and the perpetual progress of industry, the energy management presents nowadays a relevant topic that concerns researchers in electrical engineering. Indeed, in order to establish a good exploitation of the electrical grid, it is necessary to solve technical and economic problems. This can only be done through the resolution of the Unit Commitment Problem. Unit Commitment Problem allows optimizing the combination of the production units’ states and determining their production planning, in order to satisfy the expected consumption with minimal cost during a specified period which varies usually from 24 hours to one week. However, each production unit has some constraints that make this problem complex, combinatorial, and nonlinear. This paper presents a comparative study between a strategy based on hybrid gradient‐genetic algorithm method and two strategies based on metaheuristic methods, fuzzy logic, and genetic algorithm, in order to predict the combinations and the unit commitment scheduling of each production unit in one side and to minimize the total production cost in the other side. To test the performance of the optimization proposed strategies, strategies have been applied to the IEEE electrical network 14 busses and the obtained results are very promising.
On the Generalization of Lehmer Problem and High-Dimension Kloosterman Sums
Authors: Chen Guohui , Zhang Han
Published: July 2014

For any fixed integerk≥2and integerrwithr, p=1, it is clear that there existkintegers1≤ai≤p-1 i=1, 2, …, ksuch thata1a2⋯ak≡r mod p. LetN(k,r;p)denote the number of alla1, a2, ⋯aksuch thata1a2⋯ak≡r mod pand 2†a1+a2+⋯ + ak. In this paper, we will use the analytic method and the estimate for high-dimension Kloosterman sums to study the asymptotic properties ofN(k,r;p)and give two interesting asymptotic formulae for it.
Rolling Bearing Fault Diagnosis under Variable Conditions Using Hilbert‐Huang Transform and Singular Value Decomposition
Authors: Liu Hongmei , Wang Xuan , Lu Chen
Published: July 2014

Fault diagnosis precision for rolling bearings under variable conditions has always been unsatisfactory. To solve this problem, a fault diagnosis method combining Hilbert‐Huang transform (HHT), singular value decomposition (SVD), and Elman neural network is proposed in this paper. The method includes three steps. First, instantaneous amplitude matrices were obtained by using HHT from rolling bearing signals. Second, the singular value vector was acquired by applying SVD to the instantaneous amplitude matrices, thus reducing the dimension of the instantaneous amplitude matrix and obtaining the fault feature insensitive to working condition variation. Finally, an Elman neural network was applied to the rolling bearing fault diagnosis under variable working conditions according to the extracted feature vector. The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively classify rolling bearing fault modes with high precision under different operating conditions. Moreover, the performance of the proposed HHT‐SVD‐Elman method has an advantage over that of EMD‐SVD or WPT‐PCA for feature extraction and Support Vector Machine (SVM) or Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) for classification.
Feasibility of Using Phase Change Materials to Control the Heat of Hydration in Massive Concrete Structures
Authors: Choi Won-Chang , Khil Bae-Soo , Chae Young-Seok , Liang Qi-Bo , Yun Hyun-Do
Published: July 2014

This paper presents experimental results that can be applied to select a possible phase change material (PCM), such as a latent heat material (LHM), to control the hydration heat in mass concrete structures. Five experimental tests (microconduction, simplified adiabatic temperature rise, heat, and compressive strength tests) were conducted to select the most desirable LHM out of seven types of inorganic PCM used in cement mortar and to determine the most suitable mix design. The results of these experimental tests were used to assess the feasibility of using PCM to reduce hydration heat in mass concrete that was examined. The experimental results show that cement mortar containing barium- [Ba(OH)2·8H2O] based PCM has the lowest amount of total hydration heat of the cement pastes. The barium-based PCM provides good latent heat properties that help to prevent volume change and microcracks caused by thermal stress in mass concrete.
Delayed Bleeding and Pelvic Haematoma after Low-Energy Osteoporotic Pubic Rami Fracture in a Warfarin Patient: An Unusual Cause of Abdominal Pain
Authors: Sandri Andrea , Regis Dario , Bizzotto Nicola
Published: July 2014

Introduction. Acute abdominal pain may be the presenting symptom in a wide range of diseases in the elderly. Acute abdominal pain related to a delayed bleeding and pelvic haematoma after a low-energy pubic rami fracture is rare and can have important consequences; to the best of our knowledge, only one case has been previously described.Case Report. We present an unusual case of an 83-year-old woman taking warfarin for atrial fibrillation, admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) with acute abdominal pain and progressive anemia related to a delayed bleeding and pelvic haematoma 72 hours after a low-energy osteoporotic pubic rami fracture. Warfarin was withheld, anticoagulation was reversed by using fresh frozen plasma and vitamin K, and concentrated red blood cells were given. Haemoglobin level gradually returned to normal with a progressive resorption of the haematoma.Conclusion. Delayed bleeding and pelvic haematoma after osteoporotic pubic rami fracture should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain in the elderly. This case indicates the need for hospital admission, careful haemodynamic monitoring, and early identification of bleeding in patients with “benign” osteoporotic pubic rami fracture, especially those receiving anticoagulants, to provide an adequate management and prevent severe complications.
Food for Thought: The Effects of Nutritional Support on Outcomes in Hospitalized Elderly Patients and the Critically Ill
Authors: Cohen Jonathan , Tehilla Miriam , Anbar Ronit , Singer Pierre
Published: July 2014

The provision of adequate nutritional support appears to be essential for critically ill patients and other groups of patients at high risk for having malnutrition. In this review paper we describe our recent research regarding the amount of energy to be provided, how this should be assessed, and the beneficial effects of specialized nutritional support. We have shown that repeated measurements of energy expenditure using indirect calorimetry capture the dynamic energy changes characteristic of hospitalized patients. The provision of energy according to these measurements was associated with lower hospital mortality in critically ill patients when compared to patients receiving a fixed energy intake. A similar study performed in geriatric patients revealed a significant reduction in the number of infections when energy was provided according to repeated measurements. We have also shown that a diet enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid and gamma-linolenic acid improved oxygenation and lung dynamics and decreased ventilation duration in ICU patients with acute lung injury and ARDS. A similarly enriched diet together with micronutrients resulted in significantly less progression of existing pressure ulcers in ICU patients compared to an isonitrogenous, nutrient-sufficient formula. This may be related to an increase in the percentage of positive lymphocyte and granulocyte adhesion molecules.
Reinforcement Learning for Routing in Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Al-Rawi Hasan A. A. , Yau Kok-Lim Alvin , Mohamad Hafizal , Ramli Nordin , Hashim Wahidah
Published: July 2014

Cognitive radio (CR) enables unlicensed users (or secondary users, SUs) to sense for and exploit underutilized licensed spectrum owned by the licensed users (or primary users, PUs). Reinforcement learning (RL) is an artificial intelligence approach that enables a node to observe, learn, and make appropriate decisions on action selection in order to maximize network performance. Routing enables a source node to search for a least-cost route to its destination node. While there have been increasing efforts to enhance the traditional RL approach for routing in wireless networks, this research area remains largely unexplored in the domain of routing in CR networks. This paper applies RL in routing and investigates the effects of various features of RL (i.e., reward function, exploitation, and exploration, as well as learning rate) through simulation. New approaches and recommendations are proposed to enhance the features in order to improve the network performance brought about by RL to routing. Simulation results show that the RL parameters of the reward function, exploitation, and exploration, as well as learning rate, must be well regulated, and the new approaches proposed in this paper improves SUs’ network performance without significantly jeopardizing PUs’ network performance, specifically SUs’ interference to PUs.
Advanced Heat Map and Clustering Analysis Using Heatmap3
Authors: Zhao Shilin , Guo Yan , Sheng Quanhu , Shyr Yu
Published: July 2014

Heat maps and clustering are used frequently in expression analysis studies for data visualization and quality control. Simple clustering and heat maps can be produced from the “heatmap” function in R. However, the “heatmap” function lacks certain functionalities and customizability, preventing it from generating advanced heat maps and dendrograms. To tackle the limitations of the “heatmap” function, we have developed an R package “heatmap3” which significantly improves the original “heatmap” function by adding several more powerful and convenient features. The “heatmap3” package allows users to produce highly customizable state of the art heat maps and dendrograms. The “heatmap3” package is developed based on the “heatmap” function in R, and it is completely compatible with it. The new features of “heatmap3” include highly customizable legends and side annotation, a wider range of color selections, new labeling features which allow users to define multiple layers of phenotype variables, and automatically conducted association tests based on the phenotypes provided. Additional features such as different agglomeration methods for estimating distance between two samples are also added for clustering.
Patient-Derived Xenograft Models: An Emerging Platform for Translational Cancer Research
Authors: Hidalgo Manuel , Amant Frederic , Biankin Andrew V. , Budinská Eva , Byrne Annette T. , Caldas Carlos , Clarke Robert B. , de Jong Steven , Jonkers Jos , Mælandsmo Gunhild Mari , Roman-Roman Sergio , Seoane Joan , Trusolino Livio , Villanueva Alberto ,   for the EurOPDX Consortium
Published: July 2014

Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the development and characterization of patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) models for cancer research. PDX models mostly retain the principal histologic and genetic characteristics of their donor tumor and remain stable across passages. These models have been shown to be predictive of clinical outcomes and are being used for preclinical drug evaluation, biomarker identification, biologic studies, and personalized medicine strategies. This article summarizes the current state of the art in this field, including methodologic issues, available collections, practical applications, challenges and shortcomings, and future directions, and introduces a European consortium of PDX models.

Significance: PDX models are increasingly used in translational cancer research. These models are useful for drug screening, biomarker development, and the preclinical evaluation of personalized medicine strategies. This review provides a timely overview of the key characteristics of PDX models and a detailed discussion of future directions in the field. Cancer Discov; 4(9); 998–1013. ©2014 AACR.
Entre verdade e ilusão: corpo e mundo em Arthur Schopenhauer
Authors: Soria Ana Carolina Soliva
Published: July 2014

O presente estudo pretende analisar, na obra de Schopenhauer, em que medida o próprio corpo do sujeito pode ser entendido como o ponto de contato entre os domínios físico e metafísico do mundo, e a importância das noções de verdade e ilusão para a construção das concepções de corpo e de mundo.
Factors Associated With Vascular Complications in Patients Undergoing Balloon-Expandable Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement via Open Versus Percutaneous Approaches
Authors: Kadakia Mitul B. , Herrmann Howard C. , Desai Nimesh D. , Fox Zachary , Ogbara Jeffrey , Anwaruddin Saif , Jagasia Dinesh , Bavaria Joseph E. , Szeto Wilson Y. , Vallabhajosyula Prashanth , Li Robert , Menon Rohan , Kobrin Dale M. , Giri Jay
Published: July 2014

Background—

Vascular complications after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement are common and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Little is known about the effect of access approach on vascular complications.

Methods and Results—

Between 2007 and 2013, 331 patients underwent transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement via open surgical (OS) or fully percutaneous (PC) approaches. Patient data and clinical outcomes were collected. Valve Academic Research Consortium–defined vascular complications were noted. Multivariable analysis with propensity matching was performed, and vascular complications, mortality, and length of stay were assessed. One hundred twenty patients were treated with the OS approach and 211 patients via the PC approach. There were fewer major vascular complications (11% versus 20%;
P
=0.03) and shorter length of stay (7.5 versus 9.9 days;
P
=0.003) in the PC group when compared with those in the OS group. In multivariable analysis, vascular complications were more likely in women (odds ratio, 2.2;
P
=0.02) and with increasing differences between sheath outer diameter and minimal artery diameter (overall vascular complications: odds ratio, 1.4;
P
=0.02 and major vascular complications: odds ratio, 2.0;
P
<0.001). Propensity-matched analysis demonstrated no difference in vascular complications between the OS and the PC groups (22% versus 19%;
P
=0.73) but significantly reduced length of stay in the PC group (7.9 versus 10.0 days;
P
=0.04).

Conclusions—

Transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement performed via the PC route is associated with similar risk of vascular complications and significantly lower postprocedural length of stay than the OS route. The degree of sheath oversizing with respect to iliofemoral minimal artery diameter and female sex are associated with vascular complications regardless of access approach.
Driver Domains in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Haissaguerre Michel , Hocini Meleze , Denis Arnaud , Shah Ashok J. , Komatsu Yuki , Yamashita Seigo , Daly Matthew , Amraoui Sana , Zellerhoff Stephan , Picat Marie-Quitterie , Quotb Adam , Jesel Laurence , Lim Han , Ploux Sylvain , Bordachar Pierre , Attuel Guillaume , Meillet Valentin , Ritter Philippe , Derval Nicolas , Sacher Frederic , Bernus Olivier , Cochet Hubert , Jais Pierre , Dubois Remi
Published: July 2014

Background—

Specific noninvasive signal processing was applied to identify drivers in distinct categories of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods and Results—

In 103 consecutive patients with persistent AF, accurate biatrial geometry relative to an array of 252 body surface electrodes was obtained from a noncontrast computed tomography scan. The reconstructed unipolar AF electrograms acquired at bedside from multiple windows (duration, 9±1 s) were signal processed to identify the drivers (focal or reentrant activity) and their cumulative density map. The driver domains were catheter ablated by using AF termination as the procedural end point in comparison with the stepwise-ablation control group. The maps showed incessantly changing beat-to-beat wave fronts and varying spatiotemporal behavior of driver activities. Reentries were not sustained (median, 2.6 rotations lasting 449±89 ms), meandered substantially but recurred repetitively in the same region. In total, 4720 drivers were identified in 103 patients: 3802 (80.5%) reentries and 918 (19.5%) focal breakthroughs; most of them colocalized. Of these, 69% reentries and 71% foci were in the left atrium. Driver ablation alone terminated 75% and 15% of persistent and long-lasting AF, respectively. The number of targeted driver regions increased with the duration of continuous AF: 2 in patients presenting in sinus rhythm, 3 in AF lasting 1 to 3 months, 4 in AF lasting 4 to 6 months, and 6 in AF lasting longer. The termination rate sharply declined after 6 months. The mean radiofrequency delivery to AF termination was 28±17 minutes versus 65±33 minutes in the control group (
P
<0.0001). At 12 months, 85% patients with AF termination were free from AF, similar to the control population (87%,);
P
=not significant.

Conclusions—

Persistent AF in early months is maintained predominantly by drivers clustered in a few regions, most of them being unstable reentries.
The Impact of Acute Kidney Injury on the Long‐term Risk of Stroke
Authors: Wu Vin‐Cent , Wu Pei‐Chen , Wu Che‐Hsiung , Huang Tao‐Min , Chang Chia‐Hsuin , Tsai Pi‐Ru , Ko Wen‐Je , Chen Likwang , Wang Cheng‐Yi , Chu Tzong‐Shinn , Wu Kwan‐Dun ,   The National Taiwan University Study Group on Acute Renal Failure (NSARF) Group
Published: July 2014

Background

The incidence of acute kidney injury (
AKI
) requiring dialysis in hospitalized patients is increasing; however, information on the long‐term incidence of stroke in patients surviving to discharge after recovering from
AKI
after dialysis has not been reported.

Methods and Results

Patients that survived after recovery from dialysis‐requiring
AKI
during index hospitalizations from 1999 to 2008 were identified in nationwide administrative registries. The risk of de novo stroke and death were analyzed with time‐varying Cox proportional hazard models. The results were validated by a critical care database. We enrolled 4315 patients in the
AKI
‐recovery group (men, 57.7%; mean age, 62.8±16.8 years) and matched 4315 control subjects as the non‐
AKI
group by propensity scores. After a median follow‐up period of 3.36 years, the incident stroke rate was 15.6 per 1000 person‐years. The
AKI
‐recovery group had higher risk (hazard ratio: 1.25;
P
=0.037) and higher severity of stroke events than the non‐
AKI
group, regardless of progression to subsequent chronic kidney disease. The rate of incident stroke was not statistically different in those with diabetes alone (without
AKI
) and in those with
AKI
alone (without diabetes) after hospital discharge (
P
=0.086). Furthermore, the risk of mortality in the
AKI
‐recovery group was higher than in the non‐
AKI
group (
hazard ratio:
2.4;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

The patients who recovered from
AKI
had a higher incidence of developing incident stroke and mortality than the patients without
AKI
, and the impact was similar to diabetes. Our results suggest that a public health initiative is needed to enhance postdischarge follow‐up of renal function and to control the subsequent incidence of stroke among patients who recover from
AKI
after dialysis.