bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optogenetic cholinergic modulation of the mouse superior colliculus in vivo
Authors: Stubblefield Elizabeth A. , Thompson John A. , Felsen Gidon
Published: May 2015

The superior colliculus (SC) plays a critical role in orienting movements, in part by integrating modulatory influences on the sensorimotor transformations it performs. Many species exhibit a robust brain stem cholinergic projection to the intermediate and deep layers of the SC arising mainly from the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg), which may serve to modulate SC function. However, the physiological effects of this input have not been examined in vivo, preventing an understanding of its functional role. Given the data from slice experiments, cholinergic input may have a net excitatory effect on the SC. Alternatively, the input could have mixed effects, via activation of inhibitory neurons within or upstream of the SC. Distinguishing between these possibilities requires in vivo experiments in which endogenous cholinergic input is directly manipulated. Here we used anatomical and optogenetic techniques to identify and selectively activate brain stem cholinergic terminals entering the intermediate and deep layers of the awake mouse SC and recorded SC neuronal responses. We first quantified the pattern of the cholinergic input to the mouse SC, finding that it was predominantly localized to the intermediate and deep layers. We then found that optogenetic stimulation of cholinergic terminals in the SC significantly increased the activity of a subpopulation of SC neurons. Interestingly, cholinergic input had a broad range of effects on the magnitude and timing of SC responses, perhaps reflecting both monosynaptic and polysynaptic innervation. These findings begin to elucidate the functional role of this cholinergic projection in modulating the processing underlying sensorimotor transformations in the SC.
Triglyceride High-Density Lipoprotein Ratios Predict Glycemia-Lowering in Response to Insulin Sensitizing Drugs in Type 2 Diabetes: A Post Hoc Analysis of the BARI 2D
Authors: Zonszein Joel , Lombardero Manuel , Ismail-Beigi Faramarz , Palumbo Pasquale , Foucher Suzy , Groenewoud Yolanda , Cushing Gary , Wajchenberg Bernardo , Genuth Saul ,   BARI 2D Study Group
Published: May 2015

Glycemic management is central in prevention of small vessel and cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes. With the plethora of newer medications and recommendations for a patient centered approach, more information is necessary to match the proper drug to each patient. We showed that BARI 2D, a five-year trial designed to compare two different glycemic treatment strategies, was suitable for assessing different responses according to different phenotypic characteristics. Treatment with insulin sensitizing medications such as thiazolidinediones and metformin was more effective in improving glycemic control, particularly in the more insulin resistant patient, when compared to the insulin provision strategy using insulin and or sulfonylureas. Triglyceride and high density lipoprotein ratio (TG/HDL-cholesterol ratio) was found to be a readily available and practical biomarker that helps to identify the insulin resistant patient. These results support the concept that not all medications for glycemic control work the same in all patients. Thus, tailored therapy can be done using phenotypic characteristics rather than a “one-size-fits-all approach.”
Workplace Violence: A Survey of Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Services Professionals
Authors: Oliver Anthony , Levine Roger
Published: May 2015

Previous studies on violence against prehospital personnel have mainly reported on “verbal” and “physical” violence. This study explored how provider demographic and work-related characteristics were associated with five different forms of workplace violence (being cursed or threatened; being punched, slapped, or scratched; being spat upon; being stabbed/stabbing attempt; and being shot/shooting attempt). A cohort of nationally registered United States Emergency Medical Services professionals was surveyed to determine the experience of each of these types of patient initiated violence by these providers and their partners. Multivariable logistic regression analyses indicated gender was significantly associated with both being cursed/threatened and being stabbed or experiencing a stabbing attempt (odds ratio (OR) = 0.65, CI = 0.44–0.96; OR = 0.27, CI = 0.09–0.75, resp.). Level of EMT practice was significantly associated with being cursed/threatened, being spat upon, and being punched, slapped, or scratched (OR = 0.17, CI = 0.11–0.27; OR = 0.30, CI = 0.21–0.43; OR = 0.31, CI = 0.22–0.44, resp.). Both community size and experience were significantly associated with all the types of violence investigated. EMS workplace violence research is at its infancy; thus this study adds to a limited but growing body of knowledge.
Applying a New Adaptive Genetic Algorithm to Study the Layout of Drilling Equipment in Semisubmersible Drilling Platforms
Authors: Xiao Wensheng , Wu Lei , Tian Xue , Wang Jingli
Published: May 2015

This study proposes a new selection method called trisection population for genetic algorithm selection operations. In this new algorithm, the highest fitness of 2N/3 parent individuals is genetically manipulated to reproduce offspring. This selection method ensures a high rate of effective population evolution and overcomes the tendency of population to fall into local optimal solutions. Rastrigin’s test function was selected to verify the superiority of the method. Based on characteristics of arc tangent function, a genetic algorithm crossover and mutation probability adaptive methods were proposed. This allows individuals close to the average fitness to be operated with a greater probability of crossover and mutation, while individuals close to the maximum fitness are not easily destroyed. This study also analyzed the equipment layout constraints and objective functions of deep-water semisubmersible drilling platforms. The improved genetic algorithm was used to solve the layout plan. Optimization results demonstrate the effectiveness of the improved algorithm and the fit of layout plans.
Mesoporous Structure Control of Silica in Room‐Temperature Synthesis under Basic Conditions
Authors: Seo Jeong Wook , Lee Woo-Jin , Nam Seongju , Ryoo Heekyoung , Kim Jong-Nam , Ko Chang Hyun
Published: May 2015

Various types of mesoporous silica, such as continuous cubic‐phase MCM‐48, hexagonal‐phase MCM‐41, and layer‐phase spherical silica particles, have been synthesized at room temperature using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as a surfactant, ethanol as a cosurfactant, tetraethyl orthosilicate as a silica precursor, and ammonia as a condensation agent. Special care must be taken both in the filtering of the resultant solid products and in the drying process. In the drying process, further condensation of the silica after filtering was induced. As the surfactant and cosurfactant concentrations in the reaction mixture increased and the NH3 concentration decreased, under given conditions, continuous cubic MCM‐48 and layered silica became the dominant phases. A cooperative synthesis mechanism, in which both the surfactant and silica were involved in the formation of mesoporous structures, provided a good explanation of the experimental results.
Efficient ELM-Based Two Stages Query Processing Optimization for Big Data
Authors: Ding Linlin , Liu Yu , Song Baoyan , Xin Junchang
Published: May 2015

MapReduce and its variants have emerged as viable competitors for big data analysis with a commodity cluster of machines. As an extension of MapReduce, ComMapReduce realizes the lightweight communication mechanisms to enhance the performance of query processing applications for big data. However, different communication strategies of ComMapReduce can substantially affect the executions of query processing applications. Although there is already the research work that can identify the communication strategies of ComMapReduce according to the characteristics of the query processing applications, some drawbacks still exist, such as relative simple model, too much user participation, and relative simple query processing execution. Therefore, an efficient ELM-based two stages query processing optimization model is proposed in this paper, named ELM to ELM (E2E) model. Then, we develop an efficient sample training strategy to train ourE2Emodel. Furthermore, two query processing executions based on theE2Emodel, respectively, Just-in-Time execution and Queue execution, are presented. Finally, extensive experiments are conducted to verify the effectiveness and efficiency of theE2Emodel.
Protective Effect of Neuropeptide Substance P on Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells against Apoptosis Induced by Serum Deprivation
Authors: Fu Su , Jin Dan , Liu Song , Wang Lei , Wang Zhao , Mei Gang , Zou Zhen-Lv , Wu Jian-Qun , Xu Zi-Yi
Published: May 2015

Substance P (SP) contributes to bone formation by stimulating the proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs); however, the possible involved effect of SP on apoptosis induced by serum deprivation (SD) in BMSCs is unclear. To explore the potential protective effect of SP and its mechanism, we investigated the relationships among SP, apoptosis induced by SD, and Wnt signaling in BMSCs. SP exhibited a protective effect, as indicated by a reduction in the apoptotic rate, nuclear condensation, caspase-3 and caspase-9 activation, and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 that was observed after 24 h of SD. This protective effect was blocked by the inhibition of Wnt signaling or antagonism of the NK-1 receptor. Moreover, SP promoted the mRNA and protein expression of Wnt signaling molecules such asβ-catenin, p-GSK-3β, c-myc, and cyclin D1 in addition to the nuclear translocation ofβ-catenin, indicating that active Wnt signaling is involved in SP inhibition of apoptosis. Our results revealed that mediated by the NK-1 receptor, SP exerts an inhibitory effect on serum deprivation induced apoptosis in BMSCs that is related to the activation of canonical Wnt signaling.
Recent Advances in Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds Containing Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Michel John , Penna Matthew , Kochen Juan , Cheung Herman
Published: May 2015

Modern day tissue engineering and cellular therapies have gravitated toward using stem cells with scaffolds as a dynamic modality to aid in differentiation and tissue regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the most studied stem cells used in combination with scaffolds. These cells differentiate along the osteogenic lineage when seeded on hydroxyapatite containing scaffolds and can be used as a therapeutic option to regenerate various tissues. In recent years, the combination of hydroxyapatite and natural or synthetic polymers has been studied extensively. Due to the interest in these scaffolds, this review will cover the wide range of hydroxyapatite containing scaffolds used with MSCs forin vitroandin vivoexperiments. Further, in order to maintain a progressive scope of the field this review article will only focus on literature utilizing adult human derived MSCs (hMSCs) published in the last three years.
Fuzzy Finite-Time Stability of Chaotic Systems with Time-Varying Delay and Parameter Uncertainties
Authors: Li Dong , Cao Jinde
Published: May 2015

This paper discusses the finite-time stability of chaotic systems with time-varying delay and parameter uncertainties. A new model based on Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) model is proposed for representing chaotic systems. By the new model, finite-time stability of chaotic systems can be converted into stabilization of fuzzy T-S systems with parameter uncertainties. A sufficient condition is given in terms of matrix inequalities, which guarantees the finite-time stability for fuzzy systems can be achieved. Numerical simulations on the chaotic systems are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Crowd-Sourced Mobility Mapping for Location Tracking Using Unlabeled Wi-Fi Simultaneous Localization and Mapping
Authors: Zhou Mu , Xu Kunjie , Tian Zengshan , Wu Haibo , Shi Ruikang
Published: May 2015

Due to the increasing requirements of the seamless and round-the-clock Location-based services (LBSs), a growing interest in Wi-Fi network aided location tracking is witnessed in the past decade. One of the significant problems of the conventional Wi-Fi location tracking approaches based on received signal strength (RSS) fingerprinting is the time-consuming and labor intensive work involved in location fingerprint calibration. To solve this problem, a novel unlabeled Wi-Fi simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) approach is developed to avoid the location fingerprinting and additional inertial or vision sensors. In this approach, an unlabeled mobility map of the coverage area is first constructed by using the crowd-sourcing from a batch of sporadically recorded Wi-Fi RSS sequences based on the spectral cluster assembling. Then, the sequence alignment algorithm is applied to conduct location tracking and mobility map updating. Finally, the effectiveness of this approach is verified by the extensive experiments carried out in a campus-wide area.
Short-Term Efficacy of Exclusive Enteral Nutrition in Pediatric Crohn’s Disease: Practice in China
Authors: Luo Youyou , Yu Jindan , Zhao Hong , Lou Jingan , Chen Feibo , Peng Kerong , Chen Jie
Published: May 2015

Aims. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) and corticosteroids in inducing remission in pediatric Crohn’s disease (CD) and the effects of the treatment on growth improvements.Methods. Data was retrospectively collected for children and adolescents newly diagnosed with CD in a referral center. Patients who were followed up for more than 2 months with mild to moderate disease were included. Basic demographics, history, physical examination, the pediatric Crohn disease activity index (PCDAI), laboratory findings, endoscopic findings, and adverse effects were recorded. Remission was defined as PCDAI < 10 points.Results. Ten subjects received EEN and 18 patients received corticosteroids. The median follow-up in EEN group and steroid group was 9.2 weeks and 9.6 weeks, respectively. The remission rate in EEN group was significantly higher than that in steroid group (90.0% versus 50.0%, resp.,P<0.05). Growth improvement, which was evaluated by changes in height for agez-score, was more apparent in EEN group than that in steroids groupP<0.05. No adverse effects were observed in EEN group.Conclusions. In children with mild to moderate CD, EEN is more effective than corticosteroids in improving disease severity and growth deficiency, as well as providing less side effects.
Exhaled Breath Condensate: Technical and Diagnostic Aspects
Authors: Konstantinidi Efstathia M. , Lappas Andreas S. , Tzortzi Anna S. , Behrakis Panagiotis K.
Published: May 2015

Purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the 30‐year progress of research on exhaled breath condensate in a disease‐based approach. Methods. We searched PubMed/Medline, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar using the following keywords: exhaled breath condensate (EBC), biomarkers, pH, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), smoking, COPD, lung cancer, NSCLC, mechanical ventilation, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung diseases, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and drugs. Results. We found 12600 related articles in total in Google Scholar, 1807 in ScienceDirect, and 1081 in PubMed/Medline, published from 1980 to October 2014. 228 original investigation and review articles were eligible. Conclusions. There is rapidly increasing number of innovative articles, covering all the areas of modern respiratory medicine and expanding EBC potential clinical applications to other fields of internal medicine. However, the majority of published papers represent the results of small‐scale studies and thus current knowledge must be further evaluated in large cohorts. In regard to the potential clinical use of EBC‐analysis, several limitations must be pointed out, including poor reproducibility of biomarkers and absence of large surveys towards determination of reference‐normal values. In conclusion, contemporary EBC‐analysis is an intriguing achievement, but still in early stage when it comes to its application in clinical practice.
Assaying Biomarkers via Real‐Time Measurements of the Effective Relaxation Time of Biofunctionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles Associated with Biotargets
Authors: Liao Shu-Hsien , Chen Jean-Hong , Su Yu-Kai , Chen Kuen-Lin , Horng Herng-Er , Yang Hong-Chang
Published: May 2015

An assay of biomarkers consisting of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) is reported. Real‐time measurements of the effective relaxation time τeff, when the biofunctionalized magnetic nanoparticles (BMNs) were conjugating with biotargets, were made. The BMNs are anti‐alpha‐fetoprotein (antiAFP) coated onto dextran‐coated iron oxide nanoparticles labeled as Fe3O4‐antiAFP. It was found that the effective relaxation time, τeff, increases as the association of AFP and Fe3O4‐antiAFP evolves. We attribute this to the enhanced Brownian motion of BMNs when magnetic clusters are present during the conjugation. We found that saturation magnetization, Ms, increases when the concentration of AFP increases. This is due to the fact that more magnetic clusters are associated in the reagent, and therefore the Ms increases when the concentration of AFP increases. The change of effective relaxation time and saturation magnetization shows a behavior of logistic function, which provides a foundation for assaying an unknown amount of biomolecules. Thus, we demonstrate sensitive platforms for detecting AFP by characterizing τeff. The detection platform is robust and easy to use and shows promise for further use in assaying a broad number of biomarkers.
Atherogenic Cytokines Regulate VEGF-A-Induced Differentiation of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Endothelial Cells
Authors: Ikhapoh Izuagie Attairu , Pelham Christopher J. , Agrawal Devendra K.
Published: May 2015

Coronary artery stenting or angioplasty procedures frequently result in long-term endothelial dysfunction or loss and complications including arterial thrombosis and myocardial infarction. Stem cell-based therapies have been proposed to support endothelial regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiate into endothelial cells (ECs) in the presence of VEGF-Ain vitro. Application of VEGF-A and MSC-derived ECs at the interventional site is a complex clinical challenge. In this study, we examined the effect of atherogenic cytokines (IL-6, TNFα, and Ang II) on EC differentiation and function. MSCs (CD44+, CD73+, CD90+, CD14−, and CD45−) were isolated from the bone marrow of Yucatan microswine. Naïve MSCs cultured in differentiation media containing VEGF-A (50 ng/mL) demonstrated increased expression of EC-specific markers (vWF, PECAM-1, and VE-cadherin), VEGFR-2 and Sox18, and enhanced endothelial tube formation. IL-6 or TNFαcaused a dose-dependent attenuation of EC marker expression in VEGF-A-stimulated MSCs. In contrast, Ang II enhanced EC marker expression in VEGF-A-stimulated MSCs. Addition of Ang II to VEGF-A and IL-6 or TNFαwas sufficient to rescue the EC phenotype. Thus, Ang II promotes but IL-6 and TNFαinhibit VEGF-A-induced differentiation of MSCs into ECs. These findings have important clinical implications for therapies intended to increase cardiac vascularity and reendothelialize coronary arteries following intervention.
A Method for Measurement of Absolute Angular Position and Application in a Novel Electromagnetic Encoder System
Authors: Zhang Zijian , Dong Yangyang , Ni Fenglei , Jin Minghe , Liu Hong
Published: May 2015

For the encoders, especially the sine-cosine magnetic ones, a new method to measure absolute angular position is proposed in the paper. In the method, the code disc of the encoder has only two circle tracks and each one was divided intoNand (N-1) equal code cells. The cell angles, changing from 0° to 360° between any two neighboring code cells, are defined to represent any position on the code disc. The position value of the same point can be represented by different cell angle values of different tracks and the absolute angular position of the point can be obtained by the difference value between the cell angle value of the outer track and the inner one. To validate the correctness of the method theoretically, the derivation process of the method was provided. An electromagnetic encoder system was designed and the experimental platform was established to test the method. The experimental results indicate that the electromagnetic encoder can measure the absolute angular position. Besides, it shows that the method is easy to be realized in algorithm and can reduce computational complexity and decrease dimension of the encoder.
Overhead Analysis and Evaluation of Approaches to Host-Based Bot Detection
Authors: Ji Yuede , Li Qiang , He Yukun , Guo Dong
Published: May 2015

Host-based bot detection approaches discover malicious bot processes by signature comparison or behavior analysis. Existing approaches have low performance which has become a bottleneck blocking its wider deployment. Among the impact factors of performance, overhead is a crucial one. Many host-based bot detection approaches with high detection accuracy are not used practically because of their high overheads. For the development of host-based bot detection, unveiling the factors affecting the overhead is very significant. First, this paper classifies the typical approaches of host-based bot detection proposed in recent years by several metrics, information sources, interception mechanisms on host, intercepted system calls, trigger mechanisms, and correlation engine. Second, based on our analyses of aims and implementations of detection approaches, we identify three major factors affecting the overhead of approaches, namely, interception mechanism on host, type, and number of system calls intercepted and correlation engine. Third, we evaluate the influence of these factors via various experiments on real systems. Finally, based on the experiments, we propose several suggestions which are able to significantly decrease the overhead of host-based bot detection approaches.
Antimicrobial Activities of a Plethora of Medicinal Plant Extracts and Hydrolates against Human Pathogens and Their Potential to Reverse Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Njimoh Dieudonné Lemuh , Assob Jules Clement N. , Mokake Seraphine Ebenye , Nyhalah Dinga Jerome , Yinda Claude Kwe , Sandjon Bertrand
Published: May 2015

Microbial infections till date remain a scourge of humanity due to lack of vaccine against some infections, emergence of drug resistant phenotypes, and the resurgence of infections amongst others. Continuous quest for novel therapeutic approaches remains imperative. Here we (i) assessed the effects of extracts/hydrolates of some medicinal plants on pathogenic microorganisms and (ii) evaluated the inhibitory potential of the most active ones in combination with antibiotics. Extract E03 had the highest DZI (25 mm). Extracts E05 and E06 were active against all microorganisms tested. The MICs and MBCs of the methanol extracts ranged from 16.667 × 103 μg/mL to 2 μg/mL and hydrolates from 0.028 to 333333 ppm. Extract E30 had the highest activity especially againstS. saprophyticus(MIC of 6 ppm) andE. coli(MIC of 17 ppm). Combination with conventional antibiotics was shown to overcome resistance especially with E30. Analyses of the extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes, steroids, phenols, and saponins. These results justify the use of these plants in traditional medicine and the practice of supplementing decoctions/concoctions with conventional antibiotics.Nauclea pobeguinii (E30), the most active and synergistic of all these extracts, and some hydrolates with antimicrobial activity need further exploration for the development of novel antimicrobials.
Modeling, Prediction, and Control of Heating Temperature for Tube Billet
Authors: Mao Yachun , Xiao Dong , Niu Dapeng
Published: May 2015

Annular furnaces have multivariate, nonlinear, large time lag, and cross coupling characteristics. The prediction and control of the exit temperature of a tube billet are important but difficult. We establish a prediction model for the final temperature of a tube billet through OS-ELM-DRPLS method. We address the complex production characteristics, integrate the advantages of PLS and ELM algorithms in establishing linear and nonlinear models, and consider model update and data lag. Based on the proposed model, we design a prediction control algorithm for tube billet temperature. The algorithm is validated using the practical production data of Baosteel Co., Ltd. Results show that the model achieves the precision required in industrial applications. The temperature of the tube billet can be controlled within the required temperature range through compensation control method.
Adaptive Hybrid Control of Vehicle Semiactive Suspension Based on Road Profile Estimation
Authors: Qin Yechen , Dong Mingming , Langari Reza , Gu Liang , Guan Jifu
Published: May 2015

A new road estimation based suspension hybrid control strategy is proposed. Its aim is to adaptively change control gains to improve both ride comfort and road handling with the constraint of rattle space. To achieve this, analytical expressions for ride comfort, road handling, and rattle space with respect to road input are derived based on the hybrid control, and the problem is transformed into a MOOP (Multiobjective Optimization Problem) and has been solved by NSGA-II (Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II). A new road estimation and classification method, which is based on ANFIS (Adaptive Neurofuzzy Inference System) and wavelet transforms, is then presented as a means of detecting the road profile level, and a Kalman filter is designed for observing unknown states. The results of simulations conducted with random road excitation show that the efficiency of the proposed control strategy compares favourably to that of a passive system.
Similarity Solution for Free Convection Flow of a Micropolar Fluid under Convective Boundary Condition via Lie Scaling Group Transformations
Authors: RamReddy Ch. , Pradeepa T. , Srinivasacharya D.
Published: May 2015

The free convective flow of an incompressible micropolar fluid along permeable vertical plate under the convective boundary condition is investigated. The Lie scaling group of transformations is applied to get the similarity representation for the system of partial differential equations and then the resulting systems of equations are solved using spectral quasi-linearisation method. A quantitative comparison of the numerical results is made with previously published results for special cases and the results are found to be in good agreement. The results of the physical parameters on the developments of flow, temperature, concentration, skinfriction, wall couple stress, heat transfer, and mass transfer characteristics along vertical plate are given and the salient features are discussed.
Circulating MicroRNAs: Potential and Emerging Biomarkers for Diagnosis of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases
Authors: Li Meng , Zhang Junping
Published: May 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are composed of a group of endogenous and noncoding small RNAs which control expression of complementary target mRNAs. The extended functions of miRNAs enhance the complexity of gene-regulatory processes in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Indeed, recent studies have shown that miRNAs are closely related to myocardial infarction, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, angiogenesis, coronary artery disease, dyslipidaemia, stroke, and so forth. These findings suggest a new therapeutic pointcut for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and show the extensive therapeutic potential of miRNA regulation. Moreover, it has been shown that circulating extracellular miRNAs are stable in bodily fluids, which indicates circulating miRNAs as potential and emerging biomarkers for noninvasive diagnosis. This review highlights the most recent findings indicative of circulating miRNAs as potential clinical biomarkers for diagnosis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Degradation Kinetics of Photoelectrocatalysis on Landfill Leachate Using Codoped TiO2/Ti Photoelectrodes
Authors: Zhou Xiao , Zheng Yongxin , Zhou Juan , Zhou Shaoqi
Published: May 2015

The photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) oxidation degradation of landfill leachate rejected by reverse osmosis (RO) using a Cu/N codoped TiO2/Ti photoelectrode was kinetically investigated in terms of COD concentration. The key factors affecting the reaction rate of PEC oxidation and the removal efficiency of COD concentration were studied, including the COD concentration of landfill leachate, potential bias applied, pH value of landfill leachate, and the reaction temperature of photoelectrocatalytic reactor. The apparent kinetic model was applied to describe the photoelectrocatalysis reaction. The results showed that the kinetic equation for photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of landfill leachate was fitting well with the experimental data (R2 = 0.967~0.998), with average activation energy Ea = 6.35 × 104 J·mol−1. It was found that there was an optimal bias voltage of 20 V and low pH value was favorable for COD removal in landfill leachate. The reaction order of initial COD concentration (1.326) is higher than that of potential bias (1.102) and pH value (0.074), which indicates that the reaction rate can be controlled efficiently through adjusted initial concentration. The experiments demonstrated that potential bias would approach its statured value with increasing potential bias.
Synoptic-Scale Precursors to Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification in the Atlantic Basin
Authors: Grimes Alexandria , Mercer Andrew E.
Published: May 2015

Forecasting rapid intensification (hereafter referred to as RI) of tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Basin is still a challenge due to a limited understanding of the meteorological processes that are necessary for predicting RI. To address this challenge, this study considered large-scale processes as RI indicators within tropical cyclone environments. The large-scale processes were identified by formulating composite map types of RI and non-RI storms using NASA MERRA data from 1979 to 2009. The composite fields were formulated by a blended RPCA and cluster analysis approach, yielding multiple map types of RI’s and non-RI’s. Additionally, statistical differences in the large-scale processes were identified by formulating permutation tests, based on the composite output, revealing variables that were statistically significantly distinct between RI and non-RI storms. These variables were used as input in two prediction schemes: logistic regression and support vector machine classification. Ultimately, the approach identified midlevel vorticity, pressure vertical velocity, 200–850 hPa vertical shear, low-level potential temperature, and specific humidity as the most significant in diagnosing RI, yielding modest skill in identifying RI storms.
A Review on Pharmacological Properties of Zingerone (4‐(4‐Hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐butanone)
Authors: Ahmad Bilal , Rehman Muneeb U. , Amin Insha , Arif Ahmad , Rasool Saiema , Bhat Showkat Ahmad , Afzal Insha , Hussain Ishraq , Bilal Sheikh , Mir Manzoor ur Rahman
Published: May 2015

Humans have been using natural products for medicinal use for ages. Natural products of therapeutic importance are compounds derived from plants, animals, or any microorganism. Ginger is also one of the most commonly used condiments and a natural drug in vogue. It is a traditional medicine, having some active ingredients used for the treatment of numerous diseases. During recent research on ginger, various ingredients like zingerone, shogaol, and paradol have been obtained from it. Zingerone (4‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐butanone) is a nontoxic and inexpensive compound with varied pharmacological activities. It is the least pungent component of Zingiber officinale. Zingerone is absent in fresh ginger but cooking or heating transforms gingerol to zingerone. Zingerone closely related to vanillin from vanilla and eugenol from clove. Zingerone has potent anti‐inflammatory, antidiabetic, antilipolytic, antidiarrhoeic, antispasmodic, and so forth properties. Besides, it displays the property of enhancing growth and immune stimulation. It behaves as appetite stimulant, anxiolytic, antithrombotic, radiation protective, and antimicrobial. Also, it inhibits the reactive nitrogen species which are important in causing Alzheimer’s disease and many other disorders. This review is written to shed light on the various pharmacological properties of zingerone and its role in alleviating numerous human and animal diseases.
A Kalman Framework Based Mobile Node Localization in Rough Environment Using Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Chu Hao , Wu Cheng-dong
Published: May 2015

Since the wireless sensor network (WSN) has the performance of sensing, processing, and communicating, it has been widely used in various environments. The node localization is a key technology for WSN. The accuracy localization results can be achieved in ideal environment. However, the measurement may be contaminated by NLOS errors in rough environment. The NLOS errors could result in big localization error. To overcome this problem, we present a mobile node localization algorithm using TDOA and RSS measurements. The proposed method is based on Kalman framework and utilizes the general likelihood ratio method to identify the propagation condition. Then the modified variational Bayesian approximation adaptive Kalman filtering is used to mitigate the NLOS error. It could estimate the mean and variance of measurement error. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the other methods such as Kalman filter and [Formula: see text] filter.
Perturbation and Truncation of Probability Generating Function Methods for Stiff Chemical Reactions
Authors: Jeong Soyeong , Kim Pilwon , Lee Chang Hyeong
Published: May 2015

One can reformulate chemical master equations of the stochastic reaction network into a partial differential equation (PDE) of a probability generating function (PGF). In this paper, we present two improvements in such PGF-PDE approach, based on perturbation and double-truncation, respectively. The stiff system that involves fast and slow reactions together often requires high computational cost. By applying the perturbation method to PGF-PDEs, we expand the equation in terms of a small reaction rate which is often responsible for such stiffness of the system. Also by doubly truncating, we dump relatively small terms and reduce the computational load significantly at each time step. The terms corresponding to rare events are sieved out through truncations of Taylor expansion. It is shown through numerical examples of enzyme kinetics, transition model, and Brusselator model that the suggested method is accurate and efficient for approximation of the state probabilities.
Influence of the Atmospheric Mass on the High Energy Cosmic Ray Muons during a Solar Cycle
Authors: Maghrabi A. H. , Alotaibi R. N. , Almutayri M. M. , Garawi M. S.
Published: May 2015

The rate of the detected cosmic ray muons depends on the atmospheric mass, height of pion production level, and temperature. Corrections for the changes in these parameters are importance to know the properties of the primary cosmic rays. In this paper, the effect of atmospheric mass, represented here by the atmospheric pressure, on the cosmic ray was studied using data from the KACST muon detector during the 2002–2012 period. The analysis was conducted by calculating the barometric coefficient (α) using regression analysis between the two parameters. The variation ofαover different time scales was investigated. The results revealed a seasonal cycle ofαwith a maximum in September and a minimum in March. Data from Adelaide muon detector were used, and different monthly variation was found. The barometric coefficient displays considerable variability at the interannual scale. Study of the annual variations ofαindicated cyclic variation with maximums between 2008 and 2009 and minimums between 2002 and 2003. This variable tendency is found to be anticorrelated with the solar activity, represented by the sunspot number. This finding was compared with the annual trend ofαfor the Adelaide muon detector for the same period of time, and a similar trend was found.
The Optimisation for Local Coupled Extreme Learning Machine Using Differential Evolution
Authors: Qu Yanpeng , Deng Ansheng
Published: May 2015

Many strategies have been exploited for the task of reinforcing the effectiveness and efficiency of extreme learning machine (ELM), from both methodology and structure perspectives. By activating all the hidden nodes with different degrees, local coupled extreme learning machine (LC-ELM) is capable of decoupling the link architecture between the input layer and the hidden layer in ELM. Such activated degrees are jointly determined by the associated addresses and fuzzy membership functions assigned to the hidden nodes. In order to further refine the weight searching space of LC-ELM, this paper implements an optimisation, entitled evolutionary local coupled extreme learning machine (ELC-ELM). This method makes use of the differential evolutionary (DE) algorithm to optimise the hidden node addresses and the radiuses of the fuzzy membership functions, until the qualified fitness or the maximum iteration step is reached. The efficacy of the presented work is verified through systematic simulated experimentations in both regression and classification applications. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed technique outperforms three ELM alternatives, namely, the classical ELM, LC-ELM, and OSFuzzyELM, according to a series of reliable performances.
Fredholm Weighted Composition Operators on Weighted Banach Spaces of Analytic Functions of TypeH∞
Authors: Gómez-Collado M. Carmen , Jornet David
Published: May 2015

We study Fredholm (weighted) composition operators between general weighted Banach spaces of analytic functions on the open unit disc with sup-norms.
Comparison of WEB and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Methods for Delivering Brief Alcohol Interventions to Hazardous-Drinking University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Andersson Claes
Published: May 2015

This study evaluated automated techniques including personalized normative feedback and protective behavioral strategies, for brief interventions intended to reduce peak alcohol concentrations in university students. After completing baseline assessment, a total of 1,678 hazardous-drinking consumers were randomized to a single or a repeated Internet (WEB) or Interactive Voice Response (IVR) intervention, or to a control group (Single WEB: 323; Single IVR: 329; Repeated WEB: 318; Repeated IVR: 334; Control group: 374). At follow-up, six weeks after baseline, questionnaires were returned by 1,422 participants (Single WEB: 277; Single IVR: 286; Repeated WEB: 259; Repeated IVR: 279; Control group: 321). It was found that peak estimated BAC was reduced in the total group (b -0.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.023; -0.005), in the total (b -0.17, 95% CI -0.027; -0.007) and single (b -0.021, 95% CI -0.032; -0.011) WEB group, and in the total (b -0.011, 95% CI -0.021; -0.015) and repeated (b -0.012, 95% CI -0.023; -0.000) IVR groups, compared to controls. The reduction in peak estimated BAC was greater in the single WEB group compared to the single IVR group (b -0.011, 95% CI -0.022; -0.000). This study concluded that both WEB and IVR interventions have a small but significant effect in reducing heavy episodic drinking, which may be due to the relatively large sample size. Repeated intervention may be needed if delivered by IVR.
Effect of CYP2C9 Genetic Polymorphism in a Chinese Population on the Metabolism of Mestranol in vitro
Authors: Hu Ji-Hong , Wang Li , Li Wan-Shu , Dai Da-Peng , Cai Jian-Ping , Hu Guo-Xin
Published: May 2015

Background: Mestranol is a widely used estrogen, which is converted into its active metabolite ethinyl estradiol by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9. To comprehensively examine the enzymatic activity of reported CYP2C9 variants in Chinese individuals in response to mestranol, wild-type CYP2C9*1 and 35 allelic variants were highly expressed in Sf21 insect cell microsomes and used for the detection of their enzymatic values in vitro. These results showed that the majority of tested variants exhibited decreased clearance values compared to wild type, except for CYP2C9*40 and *36. Method: Insect microsomes expressing the 36 CYP2C9 variants were incubated with 0.25-8 μmol/l mestranol for 30 min at 37°C. Then, the production of the metabolite of mestranol, ethinyl estradiol, was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Most CYP-catalyzed reactions were sufficiently described by classical Michaelis-Menten kinetic parameters (e.g., Km and Vmax), while 9 variants exhibited atypical or non-Michaelis-Menten kinetic values, which were largely due to the self-inhibitory effect in response to mestranol. Conclusion: This is the first report of these rare alleles for mestranol metabolism, which provides fundamental data for further clinical studies on CYP2C9 alleles for mestranol metabolism.
Characteristics of Neuro-Behçet's Disease in a Case-Series from a Single Centre in Northern Portugal
Authors: Domingos Joana , Ferrão Cláudia , Ramalho Joana , Rodrigues Tiago , Moreira Bruno , Santos Ernestina , Bettencourt Andreia , Martins da Silva Ana , Silva Berta , Pinho e Costa Paulo , Vasconcelos Carlos , Correia João
Published: May 2015

Introduction: Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystem inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that may affect the CNS - Neuro-Behçet (NB). Our aim was to evaluate the frequency of neurological involvement and characterize a cohort of our NB patients. Methods: We retrospectively revised the clinical, laboratory and imaging data of a cohort of BD patients, followed in our hospital outpatient clinic. Results: We identified 138 BD patients. Twenty-five out of 138 had NB (15 female). Four patients presented with neurological symptoms. We identified a total of 37 attacks. Twenty-one attacks were classified as parenchymatous, four non-parenchymatous and 12 as other syndromes. Seventeen patients had CSF analysis performed (20 samples). Five samples were normal, 15 showed CSF pleocytosis. The most frequent finding on MRI performed in the acute phase was extensive lesions involving the brainstem. Two patients died due to the neurological involvement of BD. Conclusion: We found 18.1% prevalence of NB and a higher female-to-male ratio in our group than in other series. Gastrointestinal and vascular involvement was more frequent in the NB group. The fact that neurological involvement may be the first manifestation of BD with therapeutic implications and associated morbidity points out the relevance of an early diagnosis.
Temporal Changes in Alcohol-Related Morbidity and Mortality in Germany
Authors: Kraus Ludwig , Pabst Alexander , Piontek Daniela , Gmel Gerrit , Shield Kevin D. , Frick Hannah , Rehm Jürgen
Published: May 2015

Aims: Trends in morbidity and mortality, fully or partially attributable to alcohol, for adults aged 18-64 were assessed for Germany. Methods: The underestimation of population exposure was corrected by triangulating survey data with per capita consumption. Alcohol-attributable fractions by sex and two age groups were estimated for major disease categories causally linked to alcohol. Absolute numbers, population rates and proportions relative to all hospitalizations and deaths were calculated. Results: Trends of 100% alcohol-attributable morbidity and mortality over thirteen and eighteen years, respectively, show an increase in rates of hospitalizations and a decrease in mortality rates. Comparisons of alcohol-attributable morbidity including diseases partially caused by alcohol revealed an increase in hospitalization rates between 2006 and 2012. The proportion of alcohol-attributable hospitalizations remained constant. Rates of alcohol-attributable mortality and the proportion among all deaths decreased. Conclusions: The increasing trend in mortality due to alcohol until the mid-1990s has reversed. The constant proportion of all hospitalizations that were attributable to alcohol indicates that factors such as improved treatment and easier health care access may have influenced the general increase in all-cause morbidity. To further reduce alcohol-related mortality, efforts in reducing consumption and increasing treatment utilization are needed.
Carotid Arterial Hemodynamic in Ischemic Levkoaraiosis Suggests Hypoperfusion Mechanism
Authors: Turk Monika , Zupan Matija , Zaletel Marjan , Žvan Bojana , Pretnar Oblak Janja
Published: May 2015

Background: Leukoaraiosis (ILA) is believed to be ischaemic in origin due to its similar location as that of lacunar infarctions and its association with cerebrovascular risk factors. However, its pathophysiology is not well understood. The ischaemic injuries may be a result of increased pulsatility or cerebral hypo-perfusion. We used carotid duplex ultrasound to prove that the underlying mechanism is hypo-perfusion. Methods: We compared 55 ILA patients to 44 risk factor-matched controls with normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head. ILA diagnosis was based on MRI and was further categorised according to the Fazekas scale. We measured carotid artery blood flow velocity and diameter and calculated carotid blood flow and resistance indexes. Results: Blood flow velocities and blood flows were significantly lower in the ILA group, including diastolic, systolic and mean pressures (p ≤ 0.05). The resistance indices were higher in the ILA group, but the differences were not statistically significant. All the velocities and blood flows showed a decreasing trend with higher Fazekas score, whereas resistance indexes showed an increasing trend. Conclusions: Lower blood flow and higher resistance of carotid arteries are consistent with the hypo-perfusion theory of ILA. Carotid ultrasound could have a diagnostic and prognostic role in ILA patients.
Natalizumab as a Disease-Modifying Therapy in Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy - A Report of Three Cases
Authors: Vallat Jean-Michel , Mathis Stéphane , Ghorab Karima , Milor Michel-André , Richard Laurence , Magy Laurent
Published: May 2015

Background: Several treatments are available to treat the immune-mediated chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Among these treatments, intravenous immunoglobulins, corticosteroids and plasma exchanges are validated and widely used. A few immunosuppressive drugs have been tried, but they had little efficiency. Methods: We describe three CIDP patients treated by Natalizumab (acting against cellular adhesion and T-cell migration) after a failure of the validated treatments. Results: We observed a long-term improvement in one patient, a dramatic improvement over a significant duration in another patient and stabilization in the last one. Conclusion: This open label study provides evidence for the value of Natalizumab as second-line treatment for individual patients with a high dependency on waning efficacy of first-line therapies. CIDP is characterized by heterogeneity of clinical phenotypes, electrophysiological and pathological features, and various variable courses types of evolution. The different responses to drugs of our patients are consistent with some reported cases and may reflect the spectrum of lesional mechanisms and the molecular dysfunctions in CIDP.