bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing a Dilaton Gravity Model Using Nucleosynthesis
Authors: Boran S. , Kahya E. O.
Published: August 2014

Big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) offers one of the most strict evidences for theΛ-CDM cosmology at present, as well as the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation. In this work, our main aim is to present the outcomes of our calculations related to primordial abundances of light elements, in the context of higher dimensional steady-state universe model in the dilaton gravity. Our results show that abundances of light elements (primordial D,3He,4He, T, and7Li) are significantly different for some cases, and a comparison is given between a particular dilaton gravity model andΛ-CDM in the light of the astrophysical observations.
Fully Nonstationary Spatially Variable Ground Motion Simulations Based on a Time‐Varying Power Spectrum Model
Authors: Chen Huiguo , Li Yingmin , Ren Junru
Published: August 2014

By analyzing the evolutionary spectrum method for multivariate nonstationary stochastic processes, a simulation method for fully nonstationary spatially variable ground motion is proposed based on the Kameda time‐varying power spectrum model. This method can properly simulate nonstationary spatially variable ground motion based on a target response spectrum. Two numerical examples, in which the Kameda time‐varying power spectra are calculated for different conditions, are presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed method. In the first example, the nonstationary spatially variable ground motion that satisfies the time‐frequency characteristics and response characteristics of the original ground motion is simulated by identifying the parameters of the given time‐varying power spectrum. In the second example, the ground motion that satisfies the design response spectra is simulated by defining the parameters of the time‐varying power spectrum directly. The results demonstrate that the method can effectively simulate nonstationary spatially variable ground motion, which implies that the proposed method can be used in engineering applications.
Research on the Mechanical Properties of a Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer-Steel Combined Truss Structure
Authors: Liu Pengfei , Zhao Qilin , Li Fei , Liu Jinchun , Chen Haosen
Published: August 2014

An assembled plane truss structure used for vehicle loading is designed and manufactured. In the truss, the glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) tube and the steel joint are connected by a new technology featuring a pretightened tooth connection. The detailed description for the rod and node design is introduced in this paper, and a typical truss panel is fabricated. Under natural conditions, the short-term load test and long-term mechanical performance test for one year are performed to analyze its performance and conduct a comparative analysis for a reasonable FEM model. The study shows that the design and fabrication for the node of an assembled truss panel are convenient, safe, and reliable; because of the creep control design of the rods, not only does the short-term structural stiffness meet the design requirement but also the long-term creep deformation tends towards stability. In addition, no significant change is found in the elastic modules, so this structure can be applied in actual engineering. Although the safety factor for the strength of the composite rods is very large, it has a lightweight advantage over the steel truss for the low density of GFRP. In the FEM model, simplifying the node as a hinge connection relatively conforms to the actual status.
The Impact of Precipitation Regimes on Forest Fires in Yunnan Province, Southwest China
Authors: Chen Feng , Niu Shukui , Tong Xiaojuan , Zhao Jinlong , Sun Yu , He Tengfei
Published: August 2014

The amount, frequency, and duration of precipitation have important impact on the occurrence and severity of forest fires. To fully understand the effects of precipitation regimes on forest fires, a drought index was developed with number of consecutive dry days (daily precipitation less than 2 mm) and total precipitation, and the relationships of drought and precipitation with fire activities were investigated over two periods (i.e., 1982–1988 and 1989–2008) in five ecoregions of Yunnan Province. The results showed that precipitation regime had a significant relationship with fire activities during the two periods. However, the influence of the drought on fire activities varied by ecoregions, with more impacts in drier ecoregions IV-V and less impacts in the more humid ecoregions I–III. The drought was more closely related to fire activities than precipitation during the two study periods, especially in the drier ecoregions, indicating that the frequency and the duration of precipitation had significant influences on forest fires in the drier areas. Drought appears to offer a better explanation than total precipitation on temporal changes in fire regimes across the five ecoregions in Yunnan. Our findings have significant implications for forecasting the local fire dangers under the future climate change.
Prognostic Histopathological and Molecular Markers on Prostate Cancer Needle-Biopsies: A Review
Authors: Hoogland A. Marije , Kweldam Charlotte F. , Leenders Geert J. L. H. van
Published: August 2014

Prostate cancer is diverse in clinical presentation, histopathological tumor growth patterns, and survival. Therefore, individual assessment of a tumor’s aggressive potential is crucial for clinical decision-making in men with prostate cancer. To date a large number of prognostic markers for prostate cancer have been described, most of them based on radical prostatectomy specimens. However, in order to affect clinical decision-making, validation of respective markers in pretreatment diagnostic needle-biopsies is essential. Here, we discuss established and promising histopathological and molecular parameters in diagnostic needle-biopsies.
Crystal Structure ofDeinococcus radioduransRecQ Helicase Catalytic Core Domain: The Interdomain Flexibility
Authors: Chen Sheng-Chia , Huang Chi-Hung , Yang Chia Shin , Way Tzong-Der , Chang Ming-Chung , Chen Yeh
Published: August 2014

RecQ DNA helicases are key enzymes in the maintenance of genome integrity, and they have functions in DNA replication, recombination, and repair. In contrast to most RecQs, RecQ fromDeinococcus radiodurans(DrRecQ) possesses an unusual domain architecture that is crucial for its remarkable ability to repair DNA. Here, we determined the crystal structures of the DrRecQ helicase catalytic core and its ADP-bound form, revealing interdomain flexibility in its first RecA-like and winged-helix (WH) domains. Additionally, the WH domain of DrRecQ is positioned in a different orientation from that of theE. coliRecQ (EcRecQ). These results suggest that the orientation of the protein during DNA-binding is significantly different when comparing DrRecQ and EcRecQ.
Tooth Movement out of the Bony Wall Using Augmented Corticotomy with Nonautogenous Graft Materials for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Lee Kye-Bok , Lee Dong-Yeol , Ahn Hyo-Won , Kim Seong-Hun , Kim Eun-Cheol , Roitman Igor
Published: August 2014

This prospective randomized split-mouth study was performed to compare the effects of augmented corticotomy with those of different nonautogenous bone graft materials combined with orthodontic tooth movement in dogs. Decortication was performed on the buccal bone surface of 6 male beagle dogs that were randomly assigned to receive grafts of deproteinized bovine bone mineral, irradiated cortical bone, or synthetic bone. Immediate orthodontic force was applied to the second and third premolars for buccal tipping for 6 weeks. The pocket depth and width of keratinized tissue (WKT) were measured. Histologic and histomorphometric analyses were performed. The probing depth, WKT, and ratio of the area of new bone to that of total bone on the buccal side were not significantly different between groups. All groups had considerable new bone formation on the pressure side. New bone formation on the buccal side and buccal plate formation in the coronal direction along the root surfaces were induced by the bone-derived and PDL-derived mesenchymal matrix, respectively. The angular change between groups was significantly different (P< 0.001). Augmented corticotomy using nonautogenous graft materials facilitated tooth movement without fenestrations and accelerated new bone formation on the pressure side.
Antagonistic Evaluation of Bioactive Metabolite from Endophytic Fungus, Aspergillus flavipes KF671231
Authors: Verma Ankita , Johri B. N. , Prakash Anil
Published: August 2014

Of the total 40 endophytic fungi isolated from foliar tissues of medicinal plant Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, a fungal isolate, Aspergillus flavipes, was subjected to bioassay guided fractionation. The fractionation was found active against medicinal plant pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum with an inhibition zone of 29 mm in size. Further the metabolite was extracted which shows 20% growth inhibition in 24 h and 46% after 48 h, respectively. Bioassay guided chemical compound was identified as 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono(2-ethylhexyl) ester. On the basis of morphological characters and rDNA sequencing of ITS region the endophyte was identified as Aspergillus flavipes which showed promising plant growth promotory properties.
A Method of Extracting Ontology Module Using Concept Relations for Sharing Knowledge in Mobile Cloud Computing Environment
Authors: Lee Keonsoo , Rho Seungmin , Lee Seok-Won
Published: August 2014

In mobile cloud computing environment, the cooperation of distributed computing objects is one of the most important requirements for providing successful cloud services. To satisfy this requirement, all the members, who are employed in the cooperation group, need to share the knowledge for mutual understanding. Even if ontology can be the right tool for this goal, there are several issues to make a right ontology. As the cost and complexity of managing knowledge increase according to the scale of the knowledge, reducing the size of ontology is one of the critical issues. In this paper, we propose a method of extracting ontology module to increase the utility of knowledge. For the given signature, this method extracts the ontology module, which is semantically self-contained to fulfill the needs of the service, by considering the syntactic structure and semantic relation of concepts. By employing this module, instead of the original ontology, the cooperation of computing objects can be performed with less computing load and complexity. In particular, when multiple external ontologies need to be combined for more complex services, this method can be used to optimize the size of shared knowledge.
Exploring Diversity among NorwegianBorreliaStrains Originating fromIxodes ricinusTicks
Authors: Tveten Ann-Kristin
Published: August 2014

Characterisation ofBorreliastrains fromIxodes ricinusticks is important in the epidemiological surveillance of vector-borne pathogens. Multilocus sequences analysis (MLSA) is a molecular genotyping tool with high discriminatory power that has been applied in evolutionary studies and for the characterisation ofBorreliagenospecies. MLSA was used to study genetic variations inBorreliastrains isolated fromI. ricinusticks collected from the woodlands in Skodje. The results demonstrate that the 50Borreliastrains were separated into 36 sequence types (STs) that were not previously represented in the MLST database. A distance matrix neighbour-joining tree (bootstrapped 500 iterations) showed four deeply branched clusters, and each deeply branched cluster represented oneBorreliagenospecies. The mean pairwise genetic differences confirm the genospecies clustering. The combination of alleles separates theBorreliastrains from northwest Norway from the strains in the MLST database, thus identifying new STs. Although a highly divergentB. afzeliipopulation could be expected, the heterogeneity among theB. gariniistrains is more unusual. The present study indicates that the circulation of strains between migrating birds and stationary birds in this coastal region may play a role in the evolution ofB. gariniistrains.
Analysis of an Anomaly: The Increase in Time Float following Consumption
Authors: Qi Jianxun , Su Zhixiong
Published: August 2014

One fundamental axiom for project plan and schedule relates to the notion that time float will be reduced following its consumption. However, an anomalous scenario can emerge in which an activity’s time float increases following its consumption. By exploring the associations between time float and paths in activity networks, we (a) reveal the conditions under which the anomaly occurs and (b) summarize laws related to total float. An activity’s total float increases in parallel with its duration prolongation within a given boundary but remains constant or decreases in parallel with a prolongation outside the boundary. Furthermore, whereas a prolongation of an activity’s duration in excess of classic total float does not delay project completion time, a lag of its start time to a degree slightly greater than the total float does. This analysis reveals different types of total float that correspond to different ways of usage. From this, we offer definitions for translation total float and prolongation total float that deviate from traditional conventions regarding the uniqueness of total float.
Effect of Melatonin on Cognitive Function and Sleep in relation to Breast Cancer Surgery: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Hansen Melissa Voigt , Madsen Michael Tvilling , Andersen Lærke Toftegård , Hageman Ida , Rasmussen Lars Simon , Bokmand Susanne , Rosenberg Jacob , Gögenur Ismail
Published: August 2014

Background.Sleep disturbances and cognitive dysfunction are common in patients with breast cancer. Disturbed sleep leads to poor cognitive performance and exogenous melatonin may improve sleep and attenuate cognitive dysfunction. We hypothesized that melatonin would improve sleep and cognitive function after surgery.Methods.This study reports secondary endpoints from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Women, 30–75 years, were randomized to 6mg oral melatonin/placebo for 3 months. We assessed postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) with a neuropsychological test battery, sleep with a diary, and sleep quality with VAS.Results. 54 patients were randomized to melatonin (n=28) or placebo (n=26); 11 withdrew (10 placebo, 1 melatonin,P=0.002). The incidence of POCD was 0% (0/20) [95% CI 0.0%; 16.8%] in the placebo group and 0% (0/26) [95% CI 0.0%; 13.2%] in the melatonin group 2 weeks postoperatively (P=1.00) and 6.3% (1/16) [95% CI 0.0%; 30.2%] in the placebo group and 0% (0/26) [95% CI 0.0%; 13.2%] in the melatonin group 12 weeks postoperatively (P=0.38). Sleep efficiency was significantly greater in the melatonin group; mean difference was 4.28% [95% CI 0.57; 7.82] (P=0.02). The total sleep period was significantly longer in the melatonin group; mean difference was 37.0 min [95% CI 3.6; 69.7] (P=0.03).Conclusion.Melatonin increased sleep efficiency and total sleep time but did not affect cognitive function. The dropout rate was significantly lower in the melatonin group. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.govNCT01355523.
Drug Utilization Pattern in Patients with Different Types of Dementia in Western India
Authors: Patel Mansi , Joshi Anuradha , Suthar Jalpa , Desai Soaham
Published: August 2014

Background.Dementia is one of the most frequent disorders among elderly patients, reaching to epidemic proportions with an estimated 4.6 million new cases globally annually. Partially effective treatments are available for dementia.Aims & Objectives.We aim to study drugs used in dementia and find out frequency of types of Dementia.Method.This was an observational study conducted at rurally based tertiary care hospital. Prospective data was collected from outpatient department, while retrospective data was collected from medical records. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data.Result.Total 125 prescriptions of patients diagnosed with dementia were analyzed. Alzheimer’s dementia was most common (65.6%), followed by vascular dementia (21.6%), and frontotemporal dementia (10.4%), with the rarest being Lewy body dementia in (2.4%) cases. 60.57% of patients were males. Mini Mental Score Examination mean score was 15.93 ± 1.37. Frontal Battery Assessment mean score was 4.75 ± 1.01. Prescribed drugs were Donepezil (68.49%), Rivastigmine (13.63%), Donepezil + Memantine (6.43%) and Galantamine (12.83%), Quetiapine (38.46%), Lorazepam (23.07%), Clozapine (11.53%), Escitalopram (10.25%), Haloperidol (3.84%), Zolpidem, Sertraline, Olanzepine (2.56%), Nitrazepine, Lamotrigine, Fluoxetine, Tianeptine (1.28%), Folic acid, and Vitamin B12, respectively.Conclusion.Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia while Donepezil was the most frequent drug.
On Fast and Stable Implementation of Clenshaw-Curtis and Fejér-Type Quadrature Rules
Authors: Xiang Shuhuang , He Guo , Wang Haiyong
Published: August 2014

Based upon the fast computation of the coefficients of the interpolation polynomials at Chebyshev-type points by FFT, together with the efficient evaluation of the modified moments by forward recursions or by Oliver’s algorithms, this paper presents fast and stable interpolating integration algorithms, by using the coefficients and modified moments, for Clenshaw-Curtis, Fejér’s first- and second-type rules for Jacobi weights or Jacobi weights multiplied by a logarithmic function. Numerical examples illustrate the stability, efficiency, and accuracy of these quadratures.
Parallel Array Bistable Stochastic Resonance System with Independent Input and Its Signal‐to‐Noise Ratio Improvement
Authors: Li Wei , Lu Hanzhi , Zuo Yanyan
Published: August 2014

We study the design enhancement of the bistable stochastic resonance (SR) performance on sinusoidal signal and Gaussian white noise. The bistable system is known
to show an SR property; however the performance improvement is limited. Our work presents two main contributions: first, we proposed a parallel array bistable system
with independent components and averaged output; second, we give a deduction of the output signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) for this system to show the performance.
Our examples show the enhancement of the system and how different parameters influence the performance of the proposed parallel array.
Damage Location and Quantification Indices of Shear Structures Based on Changes in the First Two or Three Natural Frequencies
Authors: HoThu Hien , Mita Akira
Published: August 2014

This study proposes damage detection algorithms for multistory shear structures that only need the first two or three natural frequencies. The methods are able to determine the location and severity of damage on the basis of damage location indices (DLI) and damage quantification indices (DQI) consisting of the changes in the first few squared natural frequencies of the undamaged and damaged states. The damage is assumed to be represented by a reduction in stiffness. This stiffness reduction causes a shift in the natural frequencies of the structure. The uncertainty associated with system identification methods for obtaining natural frequencies is also carefully considered. The methods are accurate and cost-effective means only requiring the changes in the natural frequencies.
An Efficient Computation of Effective Ground Range Using an Oblate Earth Model
Authors: Maturi Dalal A. , Ullah Malik Zaka , Ahmad Shahid , Ahmad Fayyaz
Published: August 2014

An effcient method is presented to calculate the ground range of a ballistic missile trajectory on a nonrotating Earth. The spherical Earth model does not provide good approximation of distance between two locations on the surface of Earth. We used oblate spheroid Earth model because it provides better approximations. The effective ground range of a ballistic missile is an arc-length of a planner elliptic (or circle) curve which passes through the launch and target points on the surface of Earth model. A general formulation is presented to calculate the arc-length of an elliptic (or circle) curve which is the intersection of oblate Earth model and a plane. Explicit formulas are developed to calculate the coordinates of center of the ellipse as well as major and minor axes which are necessary ingredients for the calculation of effective ground range.
Solution of Several Functional Equations on Nonunital Semigroups Using Wilson’s Functional Equations with Involution
Authors: Chung Jaeyoung , Sahoo Prasanna K.
Published: August 2014

LetSbe a nonunital commutative semigroup,σ:S→San involution, andCthe set of complex numbers. In this paper, first we determine the general solutionsf,g:S→Cof Wilson’s generalizations of d’Alembert’s functional equations  fx+y+fx+σy=2f(x)g(y)andfx+y+fx+σy=2g(x)f(y)on nonunital commutative semigroups, and then using the solutions of these equations we solve a number of other functional equations on more general domains.
System Analysis of LWDH Related Genes Based on Text Mining in Biological Networks
Authors: Liao Mingzhi , Miao Yingbo , Zhang Liangcai , Wang Yang , Feng Rennan , Yang Lei , Zhang Shihua , Jiang Yongshuai , Liu Guiyou
Published: August 2014

Liuwei-dihuang (LWDH) is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), but its molecular mechanism about gene interactions is unclear. LWDH genes were extracted from the existing literatures based on text mining technology. To simulate the complex molecular interactions that occur in the whole body, protein-protein interaction networks (PPINs) were constructed and the topological properties of LWDH genes were analyzed. LWDH genes have higher centrality properties and may play important roles in the complex biological network environment. It was also found that the distances within LWDH genes are smaller than expected, which means that the communication of LWDH genes during the biological process is rapid and effectual. At last, a comprehensive network of LWDH genes, including the related drugs and regulatory pathways at both the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels, was constructed and analyzed. The biological network analysis strategy used in this study may be helpful for the understanding of molecular mechanism of TCM.
Investigating the Possibility to Reduce the Residual Stress Level in 2.5D Cutting Using Titanium Coated Carbide Ball End Mill
Authors: Masmiati N. , Chan H. S. , Sarhan Ahmed A. D. , Hassan M. A. , Hamdi M.
Published: August 2014

End milling is a multipoint cutting process in which material is removed from a workpiece by a rotating tool. It is widely used in cutting 2.5D profiles such as point-to-point, contouring, and pocketing operations. 2.5D machining possesses the capability to translate in all 3 axes but can perform the cutting operation in only 2 of the 3 axes at a time. This study focuses on optimizing the cutting parameters, such as machined surface inclinationangle, axial depth of cut, spindle speed, and feed rate for better surface integrity, namely, microhardness, residual stress, and microstructure in 2.5D cutting utilizing a titanium-coated carbide ball end mill. An optimization method known as Taguchi optimization, which includes planning, conducting, and analyzing results of matrix experiments, was used in order to achieve the best cutting parameter level. Data analysis was conducted using signal-to-noise (S/N) and target performance measurement (TPM) response analysis and analysis of variance (Pareto ANOVA). The optimum condition results obtained through analysis show improvements in microhardness of about 0.7%, residual stress in the feed direction of about 18.6%, and residual stress in the cutting direction of about 15.4%.
A Three-Dimensional Finite-Element Model of a Human Dry Skull for Bone-Conduction Hearing
Authors: Kim Namkeun , Chang You , Stenfelt Stefan
Published: August 2014

A three-dimensional finite-element (FE) model of a human dry skull was devised for simulation of human bone-conduction (BC) hearing. Although a dry skull is a simplification of the real complex human skull, such model is valuable for understanding basic BC hearing processes. For validation of the model, the mechanical point impedance of the skull as well as the acceleration of the ipsilateral and contralateral cochlear bone was computed and compared to experimental results. Simulation results showed reasonable consistency between the mechanical point impedance and the experimental measurements when Young’s modulus for skull and polyurethane was set to be 7.3 GPa and 1 MPa with 0.01 and 0.1 loss factors at 1 kHz, respectively. Moreover, the acceleration in the medial-lateral direction showed the best correspondence with the published experimental data, whereas the acceleration in the inferior-superior direction showed the largest discrepancy. However, the results were reasonable considering that different geometries were used for the 3D FE skull and the skull used in the published experimental study. The dry skull model is a first step for understanding BC hearing mechanism in a human head and simulation results can be used to predict vibration pattern of the bone surrounding the middle and inner ear during BC stimulation.
Dyeing Industry Effluent System as Lipid Production Medium ofNeochlorissp. for Biodiesel Feedstock Preparation
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Vidyadharani , Ramamurthy Dhandapani
Published: August 2014

Microalgae lipid feedstock preparation cost was an important factor in increasing biodiesel fuel hikes. This study was conducted with the concept of implementing an effluent wastewater as lipid production medium for microalgae cultivation. In our study textile dyeing industry effluent was taken as a lipid production medium forNeochlorissp. cultivation. The changes in physicochemical analysis of effluent before and afterNeochlorissp. treatment were recorded using standard procedures and AAS analysis. There was especially a reduction in heavy metal like lead (Pb) concentration from 0.002 ppm to 0.001 ppm afterNeochlorissp. treatment.Neochlorissp. cultivated in Bold Basal Medium (BBM) (specific algal medium) produced 41.93% total lipid and 36.69% lipid was produced in effluent based cultivation. SurprisinglyNeochlorissp. cultivated in effluent was found with enhanced neutral lipid content, and it was confirmed by Nile red fluorescence assay. Further the particular enrichment in oleic acid content of the cells was confirmed with thin layer chromatography (TLC) with oleic acid pure (98%) control. The overall results suggested that textile dyeing industry effluent could serve as the best lipid productive medium forNeochlorissp. biodiesel feedstock preparation. This study was found to have a significant impact on reducing the biodiesel feedstock preparation cost with simultaneous lipid induction by heavy metal stress to microalgae.
Smart Grid as a Service: A Discussion on Design Issues
Authors: Chao Hung-Lin , Tsai Chen-Chou , Hsiung Pao-Ann , Chou I-Hsin
Published: August 2014

Smart grid allows the integration of distributed renewable energy resources into the conventional electricity distribution power grid such that the goals of reduction in power cost and in environment pollution can be met through an intelligent and efficient matching between power generators and power loads. Currently, this rapidly developing infrastructure is not as “smart” as it should be because of the lack of a flexible, scalable, and adaptive structure. As a solution, this work proposes smart grid as a service (SGaaS), which not only allows a smart grid to be composed out of basic services, but also allows power users to choose between different services based on their own requirements. The two important issues of service-level agreements and composition of services are also addressed in this work. Finally, we give the details of how SGaaS can be implemented using a FIPA-compliant JADE multiagent system.
The Influence of Operation Pressure on the Long-Term Stability of Salt-Cavern Gas Storage
Authors: Liu Jianjun , Xiao Qiang
Published: August 2014

The operation pressure of underground salt-cavern gas storage directly affects its stability. Because of seasonal demand and other emergency reasons, the gas storage working pressures always change from high to low or from low to high cyclic variation. In order to analyze the effect of gas storage pressure changing on its long-term stability, considering the salt rock creep, a 3D finite element model was built using the software Abaqus. Moreover, the deformation and analyzed results of the storage under 0 MPa, 4 MPa, 6 MPa, 8 MPa, 10 MPa, and 12 MPa and also circulating changes pressure operation were given in the 10-year creep. It concluded that how working pressures have effect on long-term stability of salt-cavern gas storage. The research results indicated that the long-term creep performance of underground salt cavern gas storage is affected by internal pressure, the smaller the internal pressure creep is, the more obvious the creep and the greater deformation of gas storage are. The greater the internal pressure is, the smaller the deformation of the gas storage is. The low pressure and excessive high pressure must be avoided during the operation of gas storage. These results have an important significance on determining the reasonable pressure of gas storage operation and ensure the long-term stability of gas storage.
Patient Specific Seizure Prediction System Using Hilbert Spectrum and Bayesian Networks Classifiers
Authors: Ozdemir Nilufer , Yildirim Esen
Published: August 2014

The aim of this paper is to develop an automated system for epileptic seizure prediction from intracranial EEG signals based on Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) and Bayesian classifiers. Proposed system includes decomposition of the signals into intrinsic mode functions for obtaining features and use of Bayesian networks with correlation based feature selection for binary classification of preictal and interictal recordings. The system was trained and tested on Freiburg EEG database. 58 hours of preictal data, 40-minute data blocks prior to each of 87 seizures collected from 21 patients, and 503.1 hours of interictal data were examined resulting in 96.55% sensitivity with 0.21 false alarms per hour, 13.896% average proportion of time spent in warning, and 33.21 minutes of average detection latency using 30-second EEG segments with 50% overlap and a simple postprocessing technique resulting in a decision (a seizure is expected/not expected) every 5 minutes. High sensitivity and low false positive rate with reasonable detection latency show that HHT based features are acceptable for patient specific seizure prediction from intracranial EEG data. Time spent for testing an EEG segment was 4.1451 seconds on average, which makes the system viable for use in real-time seizure control systems.
Uncertainty Analysis of Knowledge Reductions in Rough Sets
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhang Nan
Published: August 2014

Uncertainty analysis is a vital issue in intelligent information processing, especially in the age of big data. Rough set theory has attracted much attention to this field since it was proposed. Relative reduction is an important problem of rough set theory. Different relative reductions have been investigated for preserving some specific classification abilities in various applications. This paper examines the uncertainty analysis of five different relative reductions in four aspects, that is, reducts’ relationship, boundary region granularity, rules variance, and uncertainty measure according to a constructed decision table.
Uncertainty Assessment: Reservoir Inflow Forecasting with Ensemble Precipitation Forecasts and HEC-HMS
Authors: Yang Sheng-Chi , Yang Tsun-Hua
Published: August 2014

During an extreme event, having accurate inflow forecasting with enough lead time helps reservoir operators decrease the impact of floods downstream. Furthermore, being able to efficiently operate reservoirs could help maximize flood protection while saving water for drier times of the year. This study combines ensemble quantitative precipitation forecasts and a hydrological model to provide a 3-day reservoir inflow in the Shihmen Reservoir, Taiwan. A total of six historical typhoons were used for model calibration, validation, and application. An understanding of cascaded uncertainties from the numerical weather model through the hydrological model is necessary for a better use for forecasting. This study thus conducted an assessment of forecast uncertainty on magnitude and timing of peak and cumulative inflows. It found that using the ensemble-mean had less uncertainty than randomly selecting individual member. The inflow forecasts with shorter length of cumulative time had a higher uncertainty. The results showed that using the ensemble precipitation forecasts with the hydrological model would have the advantage of extra lead time and serve as a valuable reference for operating reservoirs.
Propofol Protects the Immature Rabbit Heart against Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury: Impact on Functional Recovery and Histopathological Changes
Authors: Shirakawa Makoto , Imura Hajime , Nitta Takashi
Published: August 2014

The general anesthetic propofol protects the adult heart against ischemia and reperfusion injury; however, its efficacy has not been investigated in the immature heart. This work, for the first time, investigates the cardioprotective efficacy of propofol at clinically relevant concentrations in the immature heart. Langendorff perfused rabbit hearts (7–12 days old) were exposed to 30 minutes’ global normothermic ischemia followed by 40 minutes’ reperfusion. Left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and coronary flow were monitored throughout. Lactate release into coronary effluent was measured during reperfusion. Microscopic examinations of the myocardium were monitored at the end of reperfusion. Hearts were perfused with different propofol concentrations (1, 2, 4, and 10 μg/mL) or with cyclosporine A, prior to ischemic arrest and for 20 minutes during reperfusion. Propofol at 4 and 10 μg/mL caused a significant depression in LVDP prior to ischemia. Propofol at 2 μg/mL conferred significant and maximal protection with no protection at 10 μg/mL. This protection was associated with improved recovery in coronary flow, reduced lactate release, and preservation of cardiomyocyte ultrastructure. The efficacy of propofol at 2 μg/mL was similar to the effect of cyclosporine A. In conclusion, propofol at a clinically relevant concentration is cardioprotective in the immature heart.
Impact of Blood Type, Functional Polymorphism (T-1676C) of theCOX-1Gene Promoter and Clinical Factors on the Development of Peptic Ulcer during Cardiovascular Prophylaxis with Low-Dose Aspirin
Authors: Wang Pin-Yao , Chen Hsiu-Ping , Chen Angela , Tsay Feng-Woei , Lai Kwok-Hung , Kao Sung-Shuo , Chen Wen-Chi , Kuo Chao-Hung , Peng Nan-Jing , Tseng Hui-Hwa , Hsu Ping-I
Published: August 2014

Aims. To investigate the impact of blood type, functional polymorphism (T-1676C) of theCOX-1gene promoter, and clinical factors on the development of peptic ulcer during cardiovascular prophylaxis with low-dose aspirin.Methods. In a case-control study including 111 low-dose aspirin users with peptic ulcers and 109 controls (asymptomatic aspirin users), the polymorphism (T-1676C) of theCOX-1gene promoter was genotyped, and blood type,H pyloristatus, and clinical factors were assessed.Results. Univariate analysis showed no significant differences in genotype frequencies of theCOX-1gene at position -1676 between the peptic ulcer group and control group. Multivariate analysis revealed that blood type O, advanced age, history of peptic ulcer, and concomitant use of NSAID were the independent risk factors for the development of peptic ulcer with the odds ratios of the 2.1, 3.1, 27.6, and 2.9, respectively.Conclusion. The C-1676T polymorphism in theCOX-1gene promoter is not a risk factor for ulcer formation during treatment with low-dose aspirin. Blood type O, advanced age, history of peptic ulcer, and concomitant use of NSAID are of independent significance in predicting peptic ulcer development during treatment with low-dose aspirin.
Acupoint Application in Patients with Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris: Study Protocol of a Randomized, Double‐Blind, Controlled Trial
Authors: Ren Yulan , Li Dehua , Zheng Hui , Lv Junling , Leng Junyan , Zhang Linglin , Zhang Jie , Fan Hailong , Liang Fanrong
Published: August 2014

Background. Chronic stable angina pectoris (CSAP) is a major syndrome of ischemic heart disease (IHD). CSAP manifests as chest pain or discomfort and affects patients’ quality of life. Acupoint application (AP) has been reported to be effective for managing the symptoms of CSAP, but the evidence is not convincing. Therefore, we designed a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of AP in the treatment of CSAP. Methods and Analysis. Two hundred participants with CSAP will be randomly assigned in a 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 ratio into 4 groups. All participants will receive 12 sessions of treatment in 4 weeks and the same basic treatment procedure. The participants will be visited and assessed for 12 weeks, including a 4‐week screening, a 4‐week treatment phase, and a 4‐week follow‐up phase. The primary outcome is the change in the total frequency of self‐reported angina attack at 4th week compared with the baseline. The secondary outcomes include the intensity of angina pain, consumption of nitroglycerin or Suxiao Jiuxin pills, CCS angina classification, SAQ, SAS and SDS score. Ethics. The study protocol has been reviewed and approved by the Sichuan Regional Ethics Review Committee on TCM (number 2013kl‐001). This trial is registered with clinicaltrials.gov NCT02029118.
Single Machine Scheduling and Due Date Assignment with Past-Sequence-Dependent Setup Time and Position-Dependent Processing Time
Authors: Zhao Chuan-Li , Hsu Chou-Jung , Hsu Hua-Feng
Published: August 2014

This paper considers single machine scheduling and due date assignment with setup time. The setup time is proportional to the length of the already processed jobs; that is, the setup time is past-sequence-dependent (p-s-d). It is assumed that a job's processing time depends on its position in a sequence. The objective functions include total earliness, the weighted number of tardy jobs, and the cost of due date assignment. We analyze these problems with two different due date assignment methods. We first consider the model with job-dependent position effects. For each case, by converting the problem to a series of assignment problems, we proved that the problems can be solved inOn4time. For the model with job-independent position effects, we proved that the problems can be solved inOn3time by providing a dynamic programming algorithm.
Changes in ADMA/DDAH Pathway after Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats: The Role of Bile
Authors: Ferrigno Andrea , Rizzo Vittoria , Bianchi Alberto , Di Pasqua Laura G. , Berardo Clarissa , Richelmi Plinio , Vairetti Mariapia
Published: August 2014

We investigated the effects of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury on asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), protein methyltransferase (PRMT) and dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) (involved, resp., in ADMA synthesis and degradation), and the cationic transporter (CAT). Male Wistar rats were subjected to 30 or 60 min hepatic ischemia followed by 60 min reperfusion. ADMA levels in serum and bile were determined. Tissue ADMA, DDAH activity, DDAH-1 and CAT-2 protein, DDAH-1 and PRMT-1 mRNA expression, GSH/GSSG, ROS production, and lipid peroxidation were detected. ADMA was found in bile. I/R increased serum and bile ADMA levels while an intracellular decrease was detected after 60 min ischemia. Decreased DDAH activity, mRNA, and protein expression were observed at the end of reperfusion. No significant difference was observed in GSH/GSSG, ROS, lipid peroxidation, and CAT-2; a decrease in PRMT-1 mRNA expression was found after I/R. Liver is responsible for the biliary excretion of ADMA, as documented here for the first time, and I/R injury is associated with an oxidative stress-independent alteration in DDAH activity. These data are a step forward in the understanding of the pathways that regulate serum, tissue, and biliary levels of ADMA in which DDAH enzyme plays a crucial role.
Diagnostic Dilemma of a Rare, Giant Retroperitoneal Schwannoma: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Singh Mahendra , Kumar Lovekesh , Chejara Rajkumar , Prasad Om Prakash , Kolhe Yuvraj , Saxena Ashish
Published: August 2014

Schwannoma is a benign tumour of peripheral nerve sheath. It usually arises from head, neck, and trunk. Retroperitoneal schwannoma is a rare entity, accounting for only 0.3–3% of total schwannomas. Majority of retroperitoneal schwannomas reported in literature have a diameter of 5 to 15 cm. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult due to low frequency, nonspecific clinical course, and nonspecific imaging features. Histology usually provides definitive diagnosis. Schwannomas are solitary, well-circumscribed, and noninvasive, so complete surgical excision provides good result. We report a case of a 23-year-old male, who presented with progressive abdominal distension and intermittent episodes of intestinal obstruction. CECT was suggestive of huge solid-cystic mass in abdominopelvic region. Image guided percutaneous aspiration revealed around 1 litre of frank pus and FNAC was suggestive of abscess. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a large 32 × 28 × 26 cm mass with solid and cystic components containing 1 litre of pus. Histological features of tumour were suggestive of benign schwannoma and immunohistochemistry for S-100 was positive. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. We report this case of a retroperitoneal schwannoma because of giant size, rare location, unusual presentation, and diagnostic dilemma.
Discrete Bat Algorithm for Optimal Problem of Permutation Flow Shop Scheduling
Authors: Luo Qifang , Zhou Yongquan , Xie Jian , Ma Mingzhi , Li Liangliang
Published: August 2014

A discrete bat algorithm (DBA) is proposed for optimal permutation flow shop scheduling problem (PFSP). Firstly, the discrete bat algorithm is constructed based on the idea of basic bat algorithm, which divide whole scheduling problem into many subscheduling problems and then NEH heuristic be introduced to solve subscheduling problem. Secondly, some subsequences are operated with certain probability in the pulse emission and loudness phases. An intensive virtual population neighborhood search is integrated into the discrete bat algorithm to further improve the performance. Finally, the experimental results show the suitability and efficiency of the present discrete bat algorithm for optimal permutation flow shop scheduling problem.
Uncommon Progression of an Extradural Spinal Meningioma
Authors: Ben Nsir Atef , Boughamoura Mohamed , Mahmoudi Houda , Kilani Mohamed , Hattab Nejib
Published: August 2014

Extradural spinal meningiomas are rare. Our understanding of purely extradural spinal meningiomas is still incomplete and they may be easily confused with malignant neoplasms, much more common in this location. We report a rare case of a purely extradural thoracic spine meningioma in a 70-year-old man, with an unusual progression. In addition we discuss the pathogenesis of these tumors and the potential pitfalls in differential diagnosis and review the relevant literature concerning their treatment and outcome.
A Time-Dose Model to Quantify the Antioxidant Responses of the Oxidative Hemolysis Inhibition Assay (OxHLIA) and Its Extension to Evaluate Other Hemolytic Effectors
Authors: Prieto M. A. , Vázquez J. A.
Published: August 2014

The development of a convenient mathematical application for testing the antioxidant potential of standard and novel therapeutic agents is essential for the research community to perform evaluations in a more precise form. Thein vitrooxidative hemolysis inhibition assay, despite its relevance forin vivoresponses, lacks a proper mathematical model to quantify the responses. In this work, a simple nonlinear time-dose tool to test the effectiveness of antioxidant compounds is presented. The model was verified with available experimental data from the bibliography. The model helps to describe accurately the antioxidant response as a function of time and dose allowing comparisons between compounds. Its advantages are a simple application, provision of parametric estimates that characterize the response, simplification of the protocol, economization of experimental effort, and facilitation of rigorous comparisons among the effects of different compounds and experimental approaches. Finally, other effectors that may obstruct or be of interest for the antioxidant determination are also modeled in similar principles. Thus, the basis of more complex multivariable models is provided. In all experimental data fitted, the calculated parameters were always statistically significant, the equations prove to be consistent, and the correlation coefficient of determination was in all cases higher than 0.98.
Mitochondria-Targeted Antioxidant Prevents Cardiac Dysfunction Induced by Tafazzin Gene Knockdown in Cardiac Myocytes
Authors: He Quan , Harris Nicole , Ren Jun , Han Xianlin
Published: August 2014

Tafazzin, a mitochondrial acyltransferase, plays an important role in cardiolipin side chain remodeling. Previous studies have shown that dysfunction of tafazzin reduces cardiolipin content, impairs mitochondrial function, and causes dilated cardiomyopathy in Barth syndrome. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in the development of cardiomyopathy and are also the obligated byproducts of mitochondria. We hypothesized that tafazzin knockdown increases ROS production from mitochondria, and a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant prevents tafazzin knockdown induced mitochondrial and cardiac dysfunction. We employed cardiac myocytes transduced with an adenovirus containing tafazzin shRNA as a model to investigate the effects of the mitochondrial antioxidant, mito-Tempo. Knocking down tafazzin decreased steady state levels of cardiolipin and increased mitochondrial ROS. Treatment of cardiac myocytes with mito-Tempo normalized tafazzin knockdown enhanced mitochondrial ROS production and cellular ATP decline. Mito-Tempo also significantly abrogated tafazzin knockdown induced cardiac hypertrophy, contractile dysfunction, and cell death. We conclude that mitochondria-targeted antioxidant prevents cardiac dysfunction induced by tafazzin gene knockdown in cardiac myocytes and suggest mito-Tempo as a potential therapeutic for Barth syndrome and other dilated cardiomyopathies resulting from mitochondrial oxidative stress.
The Existence of Positive Solutions for Boundary Value Problem of Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Chen Yanli , Li Yongxiang
Published: August 2014

We consider the existence of positive solutions for the nonlinear fractional differential equations boundary value problem-D0+αu(t)=f(t,u(t)),   0<t<1,  u(0)=u'(0)=u'(1)=0,where2<α≤3is a real number,D0+αis the Riemann-Liouville fractional derivative of orderα, andfis a given continuous function. Our analysis relies on the fixed point index theory in cones.
Acute and Long‐Term Toxicity of Mango Leaves Extract in Mice and Rats
Authors: Zhang Yi , Li Jian , Wu Zhizhen , Liu Erwei , Shi Pingping , Han Lifeng , Guo Lingling , Gao Xiumei , Wang Tao
Published: August 2014

The acute toxicity of mango leaves extract (MLE) at the maximal dose (18.4 g/kg) was studied in ICR mice and no abnormalities were detected during the experiment. The long‐term studies at various doses of MLE (100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 900 mg/kg) in SD rats for 3 consecutive months revealed that, compared with the control group, rats in MLE treated groups showed slight body weight increase and higher fat weight; the serum TG and CHOL levels and the epididymis weight of male rats were a little higher; the serum K+ level of female rats was on the low side but the weights of liver, kidney, and adrenal gland were on the high side. In addition to this, no other obvious abnormalities were detected.