bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Epidemiology and Economic Burden ofClostridium difficileInfection in Korea
Authors: Choi Hyung-Yun , Park So-Youn , Kim Young-Ae , Yoon Tai-Young , Choi Joong-Myung , Choe Bong-Keun , Ahn So-Hee , Yoon Seok-Jun , Lee Ye-Rin , Oh In-Hwan
Published: March 2015

The prevalence ofClostridium difficileinfection and the associated burden have recently increased in many countries. While the main risk factors forC. difficileinfection include old age and antibiotic use, the prevalence of this infection is increasing in low-risk groups. These trends highlight the need for research onC. difficileinfection. This study pointed out the prevalence and economic burden ofC. difficileinfection and uses the representative national data which is primarily from the database of the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, for 2008–2011. The annual economic cost was measured using a prevalence approach, which sums the costs incurred to treatC. difficileinfection.C. difficileinfection prevalence was estimated to have increased from 1.43 per 100,000 in 2008 to 5.06 per 100,000 in 2011. Moreover, mortality increased from 69 cases in 2008 to 172 in 2011. The economic cost increased concurrently, from $2.4 million in 2008 to $7.6 million, $10.5 million, and $15.8 million in 2009, 2010, and 2011, respectively. The increasing economic burden ofC. difficileinfection over the course of the study period emphasizes the need for intervention to minimize the burden of a preventable illness likeC. difficileinfection.
A Comparative Analysis of Laguerre-Based Approximators to the Grünwald-Letnikov Fractional-Order Difference
Authors: Stanisławski Rafał , Latawiec Krzysztof J. , Łukaniszyn Marian
Published: March 2015

This paper provides a series of new results in both steady-state accuracy and frequency-domain analyses for two Laguerre-based approximators to the Grünwald-Letnikov difference. In a comparative study, the Laguerre-based approximators are found superior to the classical Tustin- and Al-Alaoui-based approximators, which is illustrated in simulation examples.
Prediction of Cardiovascular Disease Risk among Low-Income Urban Dwellers in Metropolitan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Su Tin Tin , Amiri Mohammadreza , Mohd Hairi Farizah , Thangiah Nithiah , Bulgiba Awang , Majid Hazreen Abdul
Published: March 2015

We aimed to predict the ten-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among low-income urban dwellers of metropolitan Malaysia. Participants were selected from a cross-sectional survey conducted in Kuala Lumpur. To assess the 10-year CVD risk, we employed the Framingham risk scoring (FRS) models. Significant determinants of the ten-year CVD risk were identified using General Linear Model (GLM). Altogether 882 adults (≥30 years old with no CVD history) were randomly selected. The classic FRS model (figures in parentheses are from the modified model) revealed that 20.5% (21.8%) and 38.46% (38.9%) of respondents were at high and moderate risk of CVD. The GLM models identified the importance of education, occupation, and marital status in predicting the future CVD risk. Our study indicated that one out of five low-income urban dwellers has high chance of having CVD within ten years. Health care expenditure, other illness related costs and loss of productivity due to CVD would worsen the current situation of low-income urban population. As such, the public health professionals and policy makers should establish substantial effort to formulate the public health policy and community-based intervention to minimize the upcoming possible high mortality and morbidity due to CVD among the low-income urban dwellers.
Further Results on Stability Analysis of Discrete-Time Markov Jump Linear Systems with Time-Varying Delay and Partly Known Transition Probabilities
Authors: Zhao Xingang , Han Jianda , Zhao Yiwen
Published: March 2015

This paper is concerned with the stability analysis of discrete-time Markov jump linear systems (MJLSs) with time-varying delay and partly known transition probabilities. The time delay is varying between lower and upper bounds, and the partly known transition probabilities cover the cases of known, uncertain with known lower and upper bounds, and completely unknown, which is more general than the existing result. Via constructing an appropriate Lyapunov function and employing a new technique to separate Lyapunov variables from unknown transition probabilities, a novel stability criterion is obtained in the framework of linear matrix inequality. A numerical example is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Dynamic Output Feedback Based Active Decentralized Fault-Tolerant Control for Reconfigurable Manipulator with Concurrent Failures
Authors: Li Yuanchun , Zhou Fan , Zhao Bo
Published: March 2015

The goal of this paper is to describe an active decentralized fault-tolerant control (ADFTC) strategy based on dynamic output feedback for reconfigurable manipulators with concurrent actuator and sensor failures. Consider each joint module of the reconfigurable manipulator as a subsystem, and treat the fault as the unknown input of the subsystem. Firstly, by virtue of linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique, the decentralized proportional-integral observer (DPIO) is designed to estimate and compensate the sensor fault online; hereafter, the compensated system model could be derived. Then, the actuator fault is estimated similarly by another DPIO using LMI as well, and the sufficient condition of the existence ofH∞fault-tolerant controller in the dynamic output feedback is presented for the compensated system model. Furthermore, the dynamic output feedback controller is presented based on the estimation of actuator fault to realize active fault-tolerant control. Finally, two 3-DOF reconfigurable manipulators with different configurations are employed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in simulation. The main advantages of the proposed scheme lie in that it can handle the concurrent faults act on the actuator and sensor on the same joint module, as well as there is no requirement of fault detection and isolation process; moreover, it is more feasible to the modularity of the reconfigurable manipulator.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Silymarin (Silybum marianum) on Hepatotoxicity Induced by Acetaminophen inSpontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Freitag Abel Felipe , Cardia Gabriel Fernando Esteves , da Rocha Bruno Ambrósio , Aguiar Rafael Pazzinatto , Silva-Comar Francielli Maria de Souza , Spironello Ricardo Alexandre , Grespan Renata , Caparroz-Assef Silvana Martins , Bersani-Amado Ciomar Aparecida , Cuman Roberto Kenji Nakamura
Published: March 2015

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of Silymarin (SLM) on the hypertension state and the liver function changes induced by acetaminophen (APAP) inspontaneously hypertensive rat(SHR). Animals normotensive (N) or hypertensive (SHR) were treated or not with APAP (3 g/kg, oral) or previously treated with SLM. Twelve hours after APAP administration, plasmatic levels of liver function markers: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glucose (GLU), gamma glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of all groups, were determined. Liver injury was assessed using histological studies. Samples of their livers were then used to determine the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and nitric oxide (NO) production and were also sectioned for histological analysis. No differences were observed for ALT,γ-GT, and GLU levels between SHR and normotensive rats groups. However, AST and ALP levels were increased in hypertensive animals. APAP treatment promoted an increase in ALT and AST in both SHR and N. However, only for SHR,γ-GT levels were increased. The inflammatory response evaluated by MPO activity and NO production showed that SHR was more susceptible to APAP effect, by increasing leucocyte infiltration. Silymarin treatment (Legalon) restored the hepatocyte functional and histopathological alterations induced by APAP in normotensive and hypertensive animals.
Pathogenic Roles of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor during Dengue Virus Infection
Authors: Chuang Yung-Chun , Chen Hong-Ru , Yeh Trai-Ming
Published: March 2015

Dengue virus (DENV) infection is the most common cause of viral hemorrhagic fever, which can lead to life‐threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome (DHF/DSS). Hemorrhage and plasma leakage are two major hallmarks of DHF/DSS. Because the mechanisms causing these pathogenic changes are unclear, there is no effective therapy against DHF/DSS. In this review, we focus on the possible pathogenic effects of a pleiotropic cytokine, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), on the pathogenesis of DENV infection. MIF is a critical mediator of the host immune response and inflammation, and there is a correlation between the serum levels of MIF and disease severity in dengue patients. Furthermore, MIF knock‐out mice exhibit less severe clinical disease and lethality. However, the role of MIF in the pathogenesis of DHF/DSS is not limited to immune cell recruitment. Recent evidence indicates that DENV infection induced MIF production and may contribute to vascular hyperpermeability and viral replication during DENV infection. The expression of both adhesion and coagulation molecules on MIF‐stimulated monocytes and endothelial cells is also increased, which may contribute to inflammatory and anticoagulatory states during DHF/DSS. Therefore, blocking MIF production or its function may provide a solution for the treatment and prevention of DHF/DSS.
Adaptive Two-Level Frame Aggregation for Fairness and Efficiency in IEEE 802.11n Wireless LANs
Authors: Kim Minho , Park Eun-Chan , Choi Chong-Ho
Published: March 2015

This paper deals with the problem of performance degradation in wireless local area networks (WLANs) based on IEEE 802.11n. When a wireless channel is shared by heterogeneous stations that have different data rates and packet sizes, each station occupies a different amount of airtime because the basic channel access mechanism of WLAN was originally designed to provide fair chance of channel access, regardless of packet size and data rate. This leads to the degradation of overall network throughput and airtime fairness among stations, which is known as performance anomaly. To resolve this problem, we firstly formulate an optimization problem for a generalized two-level frame aggregation whose objective is to maximize the achievable throughput under the constraint of airtime fairness. Then, we propose a frame size adaptation scheme that controls the number of packets in an aggregated frame. The proposed scheme is fully compatible with the IEEE 802.11 standard and works in a distributed manner, which neither modifies the channel access mechanism nor resorts to a centralized scheduling algorithm. The extensive simulation results confirm that the proposed scheme tightly regulates the airtime usage of each station to be almost the same and significantly improves the overall network throughput compared to other existing schemes.
Missing Value Imputation Based on Gaussian Mixture Model for the Internet of Things
Authors: Yan Xiaobo , Xiong Weiqing , Hu Liang , Wang Feng , Zhao Kuo
Published: March 2015

This paper addresses missing value imputation for the Internet of Things (IoT). Nowadays, the IoT has been used widely and commonly by a variety of domains, such as transportation and logistics domain and healthcare domain. However, missing values are very common in the IoT for a variety of reasons, which results in the fact that the experimental data are incomplete. As a result of this, some work, which is related to the data of the IoT, can’t be carried out normally. And it leads to the reduction in the accuracy and reliability of the data analysis results. This paper, for the characteristics of the data itself and the features of missing data in IoT, divides the missing data into three types and defines three corresponding missing value imputation problems. Then, we propose three new models to solve the corresponding problems, and they are model of missing value imputation based on context and linear mean (MCL), model of missing value imputation based on binary search (MBS), and model of missing value imputation based on Gaussian mixture model (MGI). Experimental results showed that the three models can improve the accuracy, reliability, and stability of missing value imputation greatly and effectively.
Protective and Curative Effects of the Sea CucumberHolothuria atraExtract against DMBA-Induced Hepatorenal Diseases in Rats
Authors: Dakrory Ahmed I. , Fahmy Sohair R. , Soliman Amel M. , Mohamed Ayman S. , Amer Sayed A. M.
Published: March 2015

Oxidative stress is a common mechanism contributing to the initiation and progression of hepatic damage. Hence there is a great demand for the development of agents with potent antioxidant effect. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy ofHolothuria atraextract (HaE) as an antioxidant against 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene- (DMBA-) induced hepatorenal dysfunction. Experimental animals were divided into two main groups: protective and curative. Each group was then divided into five subgroups pre- or posttreated either with distilled water (DMBA subgroups) or with HaE (200 mg/kg body weight) for seven and fourteen days. Single oral administration of DMBA (15 mg/kg body weight) to Wistar rats resulted in a significant increase in the serum liver enzymes and kidney function’s parameters. DMBA increased level of liver malondialdehyde (MDA), decreased levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in the liver tissue, and induced liver histopathological alterations. Pre- or posttreatment with HaE orally for 14 days significantly reversed the hepatorenal alterations induced following DMBA administration. In conclusion, HaE exhibits good hepatoprotective, curative, and antioxidant potential against DMBA-induced hepatorenal dysfunction in rats that might be due to decreased free radical generation.
Prokinetic Activity ofPrunus persica(L.) Batsch Flowers Extract and Its Possible Mechanism of Action in Rats
Authors: Han Wei , Xu Jing Dong , Wei Feng Xian , Zheng Yong Dong , Ma Jian Zhong , Xu Xiao Dong , Wei Zhen Gang , Wang Wen , Zhang You Cheng
Published: March 2015

The peach tree,Prunus persica(L.) Batsch, is widely cultivated in China, and its flowers have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat gut motility disorders. But few studies have explored the pharmacological effect ofPrunus persica(L.) Batsch flowers on gastrointestinal motility. In this study, the activities of different extracts fromPrunus persica(L.) Batsch flowers on the smooth muscle contractions were evaluated using isolated colon model, and the ethyl acetate extract (EAE) showed the strongest effects in vitro. EAE (10−8–10−5 g/mL) caused a concentration-dependent stimulatory effect in rat colonic tissue. Additionally, ketotifen (100 µM), cimetidine (10 µM), and pyrilamine (1 µM) produced a significant inhibition of contractions caused by EAE. Furthermore, immunofluorescence and toluidine blue staining revealed increased numbers of mast cells in the EAE group, and EAE increased histamine release from the colonic tissues. These data indicate that EAE has significant prokinetic activity and acts by a mechanism that mainly involves mast cell degranulation. Our study provides a pharmacological basis for the use of an extract ofPrunus persica(L.) Batsch flowers in the treatment of gut motility disorders.
Robust PLS Prediction Model for Saikosaponin A inBupleurum chinenseDC. Coupled with Granularity-Hybrid Calibration Set
Authors: Wu Zhisheng , Du Min , Shi Xinyuan , Xu Bing , Qiao Yanjiang
Published: March 2015

This study demonstrated particle size effect on the measurement of saikosaponin A inBupleurum chinenseDC. by near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy. Four types of granularity were prepared including powder samples passed through 40-mesh, 65-mesh, 80-mesh, and 100-mesh sieve. Effects of granularity on NIR spectra were investigated, which showed to be wavelength dependent. NIR intensity was proportional to particle size in the first combination-overtone and combination region. Local partial least squares model was constructed separately for every kind of samples, and data-preprocessing techniques were performed to optimize calibration model. The 65-mesh model exhibited the best prediction ability with root mean of square error of prediction (RMSEP) = 0.492 mg·g−1, correlation coefficientRP=0.9221, and relative predictive determinant (RPD) = 2.58. Furthermore, a granularity-hybrid calibration model was developed by incorporating granularity variation. Granularity-hybrid model showed better performance than local model. The model performance with 65-mesh samples was still the most accurate with RMSEP = 0.481 mg·g−1,RP=0.9279, and RPD = 2.64. All the results presented the guidance for construction of a robust model coupled with granularity-hybrid calibration set.
A Pseudo-Parallel Genetic Algorithm Integrating Simulated Annealing for Stochastic Location-Inventory-Routing Problem with Consideration of Returns in E-Commerce
Authors: Liu Bailing , Chen Hui , Li Yanhui , Liu Xiang
Published: March 2015

Facility location, inventory control, and vehicle routes scheduling are three key issues to be settled in the design of logistics system for e-commerce. Due to the online shopping features of e-commerce, customer returns are becoming much more than traditional commerce. This paper studies a three-phase supply chain distribution system consisting of one supplier, a set of retailers, and a single type of product with continuous review (Q, r) inventory policy. We formulate a stochastic location-inventory-routing problem (LIRP) model with no quality defects returns. To solve the NP-hand problem, a pseudo-parallel genetic algorithm integrating simulated annealing (PPGASA) is proposed. The computational results show that PPGASA outperforms GA on optimal solution, computing time, and computing stability.
Inhibitory Effects of Chemical Compounds Isolated from the Rhizome ofSmilax glabraon Nitric Oxide and Tumor Necrosis Factor-αProduction in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced RAW264.7 Cell
Authors: Lu Chuan-li , Zhu Wei , Wang Dong-mei , Chen Wen-long , Hu Meng-mei , Wang Min , Xu Xiao-jie , Lu Chuan-jian
Published: March 2015

The rhizome ofSmilax glabrahas been used for a long time as both food and folk medicine in many countries. The present study focused on the active constituents from the rhizome ofS. glabra, which possess potential anti-inflammatory activities. As a result, nine known compounds were isolated from the rhizome ofS. glabrawith the bioassay-guiding, and were identified as syringaresinol (1), lasiodiplodin (2), de-O-methyllasiodiplodin (3), syringic acid (4), 1,4-bis(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-1,4-butanediol (5), lyoniresinol (6),trans-resveratrol (7),trans-caffeic acid methyl ester (8), and dihydrokaempferol (9). Among these compounds,2and3were isolated for the first time fromS. glabra. In addition, the potential anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds were evaluatedin vitroin lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced RAW264.7 cells. Results indicated that4and7showed significant inhibitory effects on NO production of RAW264.7 cells, and1,2,3, and5showed moderate suppression effects on induced NO production.1,7, and5exhibited high inhibitory effects on TNF-αproduction, with the IC50values less than 2.3, 4.4, and 16.6 μM, respectively. These findings strongly suggest that compounds1,2,3,4,5,7, and9were the potential anti-inflammatory active compositions ofS. glabra.
A Multicriteria Analysis of Photovoltaic Systems: Energetic, Environmental, and Economic Assessments
Authors: Cucchiella Federica , D’Adamo Idiano
Published: March 2015

The development of photovoltaic (PV) energy has led to rising efficiencies, better reliability, and falling prices. A multicriteria analysis (MCA) of PV systems is proposed in this paper in order to evaluate the sustainability of alternative projects. The investigations are presented using multiple indicators: Energy Payback Time (EPBT), Energy Return on Investment (EROI), Greenhouse Gas per kilowatt-hour (GHG/kWh), Greenhouse Gas Payback Time (GPBT), Greenhouse Gas Return on Investment (GROI), Net Present Value (NPV), Discounted Payback Time (DPBT), and Discounted Aggregate Cost Benefit (D(B/C)A). PV energy is a relevant player in global electricity market and can have a key-role in sustainable growth.
Delay-Dependent Stability Analysis for Uncertain Switched Time-Delay Systems Using Average Dwell Time
Authors: Zhang Yangming , Yan Peng
Published: March 2015

We are concerned with the stability problem for linear discrete-time switched systems with time delays. The problem is solved by using multiple Lyapunov functions to develop constructive tools for the exponential stability analysis of the switched time-delay system. Furthermore, the uncertainties of the switched systems are also taken into consideration. Sufficient delay-dependent conditions are derived in terms of the average dwell time for the exponential stability based on linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Complicated Case of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia in the Second Trimester of Pregnancy Successfully Treated with All-trans-Retinoic Acid
Authors: Agarwal Kanika , Patel Megha , Agarwal Vandana
Published: March 2015

A 40-year-old female at 26-week gestation was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) after an abnormal prenatal lab workup showed pancytopenia. She was treated with all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), idarubicin, and dexamethasone. After day one of treatment, she developed differentiation syndrome, which was treated with dexamethasone. At 30-week gestation, she had preterm premature rupture of membranes and delivered by cesarean section because of the fetus’ breech presentation. Despite ATRA’s potential for teratogenicity, a viable infant was born without apparent anomalies. Postpartum, she underwent consolidation treatment with ATRA and arsenic trioxide (ATO). The patient continued ATRA therapy after delivery and is currently in remission.
Antiviral Activity of a Zymolytic Grain Based Extract on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1In Vitro
Authors: Wang Chu , Liu Di , Guo Xiao-Han , Yu Bin , Wu Hui , Zhang Hai-Hong , Wu Jia-Xin , Jiang Chun-Lai , Kong Wei , Yu Xiang-Hui
Published: March 2015

Increasing evidence shows that grains may play a role in disease prevention beyond the simple provision of energy and nutrients. It has been reported that some components contained in grains exert their functional effects on viral and bacterial infections and protect against various cancers. However, until now, hardly any intervention studies have investigated the effects of grains or grain based extracts on the inhibition of HIV-1 infection. In this study, the antiviral function of a zymolytic grain based extract (ZGE) was detectedin vitroand in rats, and the antiviral mechanism was investigated. Results showed that ZGE had an inhibition effect on HIV-1 infectionin vitrowith low cytotoxic effects. The study of the mechanism demonstrated that this functional food possibly acted on the viral surface structure protein gp120 which is responsible for cell binding, as well as on the postattachment stage of the virus. The sera of model rats administrated with this food by gavage presented anti-infection abilities against HIV-1in vitroduring a serum concentration associated period of time. These findings provide valuable insights into the application of ZGE on the control of viral load, which may contribute to future anti-HIV treatment with less adverse effects.
Substance P Receptor Antagonism: A Potential Novel Treatment Option for Viral-Myocarditis
Authors: Robinson Prema , Taffet George E. , Engineer Nikita , Khumbatta Mitra , Firozgary Bahrom , Reynolds Corey , Pham Thuy , Bulsara Tushar , Firozgary Gohar
Published: March 2015

Viral-myocarditis is an important cause of heart failure for which no specific treatment is available. We previously showed the neuropeptide substance P (SP) is associated with the pathogenesis of murine myocarditis caused by encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV). The current studies determined if pharmacological inhibition of SP-signaling via its high affinity receptor, NK1R and downstream G-protein, Ras homolog gene family, member-A (RhoA), will be beneficial in viral-myocarditis. Aprepitant (1.2 mg/kg), a SP-receptor antagonist, or fasudil (10 mg/kg), a RhoA inhibitor, or saline control was administered daily to mice orally for 3 days, prior to, or 5 days following, intraperitoneal infection with and without 50 PFU of EMCV, following which disease assessment studies, including echocardiogram and cardiac Doppler were performed in day 14 after infection. Pretreatment and posttreatment with aprepitant significantly reduced mortality, heart and cardiomyocyte size, and cardiac viral RNA levels (P<0.05all, ANOVA). Only aprepitant pretreatment improved heart functions; it significantly decreased end systolic diameter, improved fractional shortening, and increased peak aortic flow velocity (P<0.05all, ANOVA). Pre- or posttreatment with fasudil did not significantly impact disease manifestations. These findings indicate that SP contributes to cardiac-remodeling and dysfunction following ECMV infection via its high affinity receptor, but not through the Rho-A pathway. These studies suggest that SP-receptor antagonism may be a novel therapeutic-option for patients with viral-myocarditis.
Anisotropic Characteristics of Turbulence Dissipation in Swirling Flow: A Direct Numerical Simulation Study
Authors: Yang Xingtuan , Gui Nan , Xie Gongnan , Yan Jie , Tu Jiyuan , Jiang Shengyao
Published: March 2015

This study investigates the anisotropic characteristics of turbulent energy dissipation rate in a rotating jet flow via direct numerical simulation. The turbulent energy dissipation tensor, including its eigenvalues in the swirling flows with different rotating velocities, is analyzed to investigate the anisotropic characteristics of turbulence and dissipation. In addition, the probability density function of the eigenvalues of turbulence dissipation tensor is presented. The isotropic subrange of PDF always exists in swirling flows relevant to small-scale vortex structure. Thus, with remarkable large-scale vortex breakdown, the isotropic subrange of PDF is reduced in strongly swirling flows, and anisotropic energy dissipation is proven to exist in the core region of the vortex breakdown. More specifically, strong anisotropic turbulence dissipation occurs concentratively in the vortex breakdown region, whereas nearly isotropic turbulence dissipation occurs dispersively in the peripheral region of the strong swirling flows.
GABs: A Game-Based Secure and Energy Efficient Data Aggregation for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Engouang Tristan Daladier , Liu Yun , Zhang Zhenjiang
Published: March 2015

This paper endeavors to investigate the security and energy issues in wireless sensor networks from prior art such as game theory and various embodiments of methods like public-key cryptography. Due to the needs of interacting with the physical world, thanks to a plethora of innovative applications, the state of the art in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is focusing on multiple purposes such as monitoring, tracking, and security while relying upon some assumptions about distributed data, whereas these assumptions may not hold in a real scenario. The content herein models homogeneous WSN environment of highly linked nodes, in a theoretical game with synchronized actions, where, in order to transmit their readings securely across the network in some level of hierarchy, using the technique of data aggregation, sensor nodes with communication and computational resources constraint should establish trusted and direct links between their neighbors for the privacy and integrity of their data against faulty nodes, while ensuring energy saving. The study considers the ZigBee known as IEEE 802.15.4 standard for its high trustworthiness and low power consumption in wireless sensor network and compares different topology models.
Positive Solutions for a Third Order Nonlinear Neutral Delay Difference Equation
Authors: Liu Zeqing , Wang Xiaochen , Kang Shin Min , Kwun Young Chel
Published: March 2015

The existence, multiplicity, and properties of positive solutions for a third order nonlinear neutral delay difference equation are discussed. Six examples are given to illustrate the results presented in this paper.
Efficient Output Solution for Nonlinear Stochastic Optimal Control Problem with Model-Reality Differences
Authors: Kek Sie Long , Teo Kok Lay , Abdul Aziz Mohd Ismail
Published: March 2015

A computational approach is proposed for solving the discrete time nonlinear stochastic optimal control problem. Our aim is to obtain the optimal output solution of the original optimal control problem through solving the simplified model-based optimal control problem iteratively. In our approach, the adjusted parameters are introduced into the model used such that the differences between the real system and the model used can be computed. Particularly, system optimization and parameter estimation are integrated interactively. On the other hand, the output is measured from the real plant and is fed back into the parameter estimation problem to establish a matching scheme. During the calculation procedure, the iterative solution is updated in order to approximate the true optimal solution of the original optimal control problem despite model-reality differences. For illustration, a wastewater treatment problem is studied and the results show the efficiency of the approach proposed.
Inspection of Wooden Poles in Electrical Power Distribution Networks in Artvin, Turkey
Authors: Gezer Engin Derya , Temiz Ali , Yüksek Turan
Published: March 2015

According to Trabzon Electricity Distribution Local Directorship’s statistical data, there are 208.000 utility poles in Trabzon, 180.000 utility poles in Rize, and 121.000 utility poles in Artvin. Every year, 17.000 new utility poles are placed in these three cities. The average lifetime of a treated-wood utility pole is typically 40 to 50 years. However, the average lifetime of a treated-wood utility pole in the Eastern Black Sea Region is only about 10–15 years. In this study, the suggestions for enhancing the service life of treated-wood utility poles in Artvin vicinity were listed by determining the deteriorations and degradations using both visual inspection and nondestructive test methods. The results showed that the most important factors affecting the service life of utility poles were the decay due to fungi, insects, inadequate impregnation, and the deep cracks and splits.
EvaluatingLRRK2Genetic Variants with Unclear Pathogenicity
Authors: Refai Fathima Shaffra , Ng Shin Hui , Tan Eng-King
Published: March 2015

Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) have been known to be a major genetic component affecting Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the pathogenicity of many of theLRRK2variants is unclear because they have been detected in single patients or also in patients and controls. Here, we selected 5 exonic variants (L1165P, T1410M, M1646T, L2063X, and Y2189C) from each of the protein domain ofLRRK2and analysed their possible association with pathogenicity usingin vitrofunctional assays. Point mutations representing each of these variants were incorporated into theLRRK2gene, and functional aspects such as the percentage of cell survival upon application of stress and kinase activity were measured. Our results showed that all 5 variants had a significantly negative effect on the survival of cells, in both presence and absence of stress, as compared to the wild-type. In addition, there was also a slight increase in kinase activity in most of the variants in comparison to the wild-type. A negative correlation between cell survival and kinase activity was observed. These data suggest that most of the variants despite being located in different domains ofLRRK2appear to exert a potential pathogenic effect possibly through an increased kinase activity, supporting a gain of function mechanism.
Association between Polymorphism of Interleukin‐1beta and Interleukin‐1 Receptor Antagonist Gene and Asthma Risk: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: He Yuanzhou , Peng Shuang , Xiong Weining , Xu Yongjian , Liu Jin
Published: March 2015

Background. Asthma is a complex polygenic disease in which gene‐environment interactions are important. A number of studies have investigated the polymorphism of IL‐1β ‐511C/T and IL‐1RA genes in relation to asthma susceptibility in different populations. However, the results of individual studies have been inconsistent. Accordingly, we conducted a comprehensive meta‐analysis to investigate the association between the IL‐1β ‐511C/T and IL‐1RA polymorphism and asthma risk. Methods. Data were collected from the following electronic databases: Pub Med, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), ISI Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar Search databases with the last report up to July 2013. Finally, 15 studies were included in our meta‐analysis. We summarized the data on the association between IL‐1β ‐511C/T and IL‐1RA polymorphism and risk of asthma in the overall population and performed subgroup analyses by ethnicity, mean of age, and source of controls. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the associations between IL‐1β ‐511C/T and IL‐1RA polymorphism and asthma risk. Statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.1. Results. A total of 15 case‐control studies were included in the meta‐analysis of IL‐1β ‐511C/T (1,385 cases and 1,964 controls) and IL‐1RA (2,800 cases and 6,359 controls) genotypes. No association was found between IL‐1β ‐511C/T polymorphism and asthma risk (dominant model: OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.99–1.25, P = 0.07, PHeterogeneity = 0.06; recessive model: OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.91–1.20, P = 0.55, PHeterogeneity = 0.11). Subgroup analysis based on ethnicity (Asian and Caucasian), source of controls (population‐based controls and hospital‐based controls), and mean of age (adulthood and childhood) did not present any significant association. The overall results showed that the IL‐1RA polymorphism was related to an increased risk of asthma (homozygote model: OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.12–1.56, P = 0.0009, PHeterogeneity = 0.87; recessive model: OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.18–1.63, P = 0.0001, PHeterogeneity = 0.82). Similar results were found in the subgroup analyses by ethnicity, mean of age, and source of controls. Sensitivity analysis did not perturb the results. Conclusions. This meta‐analysis provided strong evidence that the IL‐1RA polymorphism was a risk factor of asthma, especially in Caucasian populations. However, no association was found for IL‐1β ‐511C/T genotype carriers. Larger scale studies are needed for confirmation.
The Existence and Uniqueness of a New Boundary Value Problem (Type of Problem “E”) for Linear System Equations of the Mixed Hyperbolic-Elliptic Type in the Multivariate Dimension with the Changing Time Direction
Authors: Nurmammadov Mahammad A.
Published: March 2015

The existence and uniqueness of the boundary value problem for linear systems equations of the mixed hyperbolic-elliptic type in the multivariate domain with the changing time direction are studied. Applying methods of functional analysis, “ε-regularizing” continuation by the parameter and by means of prior estimates, the existence and uniqueness of generalized and regular solutions of a boundary problem are established in a weighted Sobolev space.
Evaluation of Antiradical and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Ethyl Acetate and Butanolic Subfractions ofAgelanthus dodoneifolius(DC.) Polhill & Wiens (Loranthaceae) Using Equine Myeloperoxidase and Both PMA-Activated Neutrophils and HL-60 Cells
Authors: Boly Rainatou , Franck Thierry , Kohnen Stephan , Lompo Marius , Guissou Innocent Pierre , Dubois Jacques , Serteyn Didier , Mouithys-Mickalad Ange
Published: March 2015

The ethyl acetate andn-butanolic subfractions ofAgelanthus dodoneifoliuswere investigated for their antioxidant and antimyeloperoxidase (MPO) activities. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was assessed by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence (CL) and dichlorofluorescein- (DCF-) induced fluorescence techniques from phorbol myristate acetate- (PMA-) stimulated equine neutrophils and human myeloid cell line HL-60, respectively. In parallel, the effects of the tested subfractions were evaluated on the total MPO release by stimulated neutrophils and on the specific MPO activity by means of immunological assays. The results showed the potent activity of the butanolic subfraction, at least in respect of the chemiluminescence test (IC50=0.3±0.1 µg/mL) and the ELISA and SIEFED assays (IC50=2.8±1.2 µg/mL and1.3±1.0 µg/mL), respectively. However, the ethyl acetate subfraction was found to be the most potent in the DCF assay as at the highest concentration, DCF fluorescence intensity decreases of about 50%. Moreover, we demonstrated that the ethyl acetate subfraction was rich in catechin (16.51%) while it was not easy to identify the main compounds in the butanolic subfraction using the UPLC-MS/MS technique. Nevertheless, taken together, our results provide evidence thatAgelanthus dodoneifoliussubfractions may represent potential sources of natural antioxidants and of antimyeloperoxidase compounds.
Emergency Vehicle Dispatching and Redistribution in Highway Network Based on Bilevel Programming
Authors: Duan Xiaohong , Song Shouxin , Zhao Jiandong
Published: March 2015

Response time is a key factor in the emergency vehicle dispatching problem. Because regional emergency vehicles are limited, vehicle gaps will be created in the rescue station after vehicles are dispatched to several accidents, which affects quick response to the subsequent incidents. To solve this problem, a bilevel programming model for emergency vehicle dispatching and redistribution is established, of which the optimal objectives are the shortest rescue time for current accidents and the shortest time for vehicle redistribution, and the key constraints are emergency vehicle requirements and accident time windows. In the precondition of effective rescue of current accidents, emergency vehicles are redistributed according to the potential risks in the rescue station coverage area. A bilevel shuffled frog leaping algorithm is proposed to solve the bilevel programming model. The dispatching results of examples show that the model conforms to dispatching decision rule and the bilevel shuffled frog leaping algorithm can resolve the bilevel programming model fast and efficiently.
The Role of Mathmatics Courses in the Assessment Process of Engineering ABET-Outcomes
Authors: Al-Omari Salah-Addin B. , Al-Mdallal Qasem M. , El-Khatib Youssef , Abu-Jdayil Basim
Published: March 2015

This paper deals with the mathematics courses offered to the engineering students at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). The paper focuses essentially on the level of achievement by the students of the outcomes of the mathematics and how this reflects on the satisfaction of the engineering ABET-outcomes. Mapping between the course outcomes of the different math courses offered at UAEU to engineering students and the engineering ABET criteria ((a)–(k)) was made. It is found that most of the ABET-outcomes are to a great extent in-line with the outcomes of our mathematics courses. This encourages us to use the achievement of the courses outcomes as an assessment tool for the engineering ABET-outcomes. We considered both direct and indirect assessment tools to assess the level of satisfaction of the math courses outcomes. The performances of the students according to both methods are then used to assess the achievements of the ABET-outcomes. The results generally show very good level of achievement of the outcomes, although few ABET-outcomes were not achieved well according to our performance criteria. Accordingly, we provide some comments and recommendations aiming at the improvement of the program.
Etoposide Incorporated into Camel Milk Phospholipids Liposomes Shows Increased Activity against Fibrosarcoma in a Mouse Model
Authors: Maswadeh Hamzah M. , Aljarbou Ahmad N. , Alorainy Mohammed S. , Alsharidah Mansour S. , Khan Masood A.
Published: March 2015

Phospholipids were isolated from camel milk and identified by using high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Anticancer drug etoposide (ETP) was entrapped in liposomes, prepared from camel milk phospholipids, to determine its activity against fibrosarcoma in a murine model. Fibrosarcoma was induced in mice by injecting benzopyrene (BAP) and tumor-bearing mice were treated with various formulations of etoposide, including etoposide entrapped camel milk phospholipids liposomes (ETP-Cam-liposomes) and etoposide-loaded DPPC-liposomes (ETP-DPPC-liposomes). The tumor-bearing mice treated with ETP-Cam-liposomes showed slow progression of tumors and increased survival compared to free ETP or ETP-DPPC-liposomes. These results suggest that ETP-Cam-liposomes may prove to be a better drug delivery system for anticancer drugs.
Intravitreal Aflibercept Injection and Photodynamic Treatment of a Patient with Unilateral Subretinal Neovascular Membrane Associated with Fundus Flavimaculatus
Authors: Saatci Ali Osman , Ayhan Ziya , Yüksel Bora , Seymenoğlu Göktuğ , Hariprasad Seenu M.
Published: March 2015

We report the good outcome of combined intravitreal aflibercept injection and photodynamic treatment in a case with fundus flavimaculatus (FFM) and unilateral subretinal neovascular membrane (SRNM). A 57-year-old man with FFM and unilateral SRNM who was treated with two consecutive ranibizumab injections with no improvement at another institution was referred to us. He was treated successfully with three aflibercept injections three months apart and a single photodynamic treatment performed a week after the initial aflibercept injection. Six weeks after the last aflibercept injection visual acuity was improved and submacular exudation exhibited dramatic resolution with a moderate degree of residual scarring. SRNM formation is rarely observed in eyes with FFM and a satisfactory outcome can be achieved with a proper treatment.
A Network-Based Approach to Investigate the Pattern of Syndrome in Depression
Authors: Song Jianglong , Liu Xi , Deng Qingqiong , Dai Wen , Gao Yibo , Chen Lin , Zhang Yunling , Wang Jialing , Yu Miao , Lu Peng , Guo Rongjuan
Published: March 2015

In Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, syndrome is essential to diagnose diseases and treat patients, and symptom is the foundation of syndrome differentiation. Thus the combination and interaction between symptoms represent the pattern of syndrome at phenotypic level, which can be modeled and analyzed using complex network. At first, we collected inquiry information of 364 depression patients from 2007 to 2009. Next, we learned classification models for 7 syndromes in depression using naïve Bayes, Bayes network, support vector machine (SVM), and C4.5. Among them, SVM achieves the highest accuracies larger than 0.9 except for Yin deficiency. Besides, Bayes network outperforms naïve Bayes for all 7 syndromes. Then key symptoms for each syndrome were selected using Fisher’s score. Based on these key symptoms, symptom networks for 7 syndromes as well as a global network for depression were constructed through weighted mutual information. Finally, we employed permutation test to discover dynamic symptom interactions, in order to investigate the difference between syndromes from the perspective of symptom network. As a result, significant dynamic interactions were quite different for 7 syndromes. Therefore, symptom networks could facilitate our understanding of the pattern of syndrome and further the improvement of syndrome differentiation in depression.
Recent Developments in Vascular Imaging Techniques in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Upputuri Paul Kumar , Sivasubramanian Kathyayini , Mark Chong Seow Khoon , Pramanik Manojit
Published: March 2015

Adequate vascularisation is key in determining the clinical outcome of stem cells and engineered tissue in regenerative medicine. Numerous imaging modalities have been developed and used for the visualization of vascularisation in tissue engineering. In this review, we briefly discuss the very recent advances aiming at high performance imaging of vasculature. We classify the vascular imaging modalities into three major groups: nonoptical methods (X-ray, magnetic resonance, ultrasound, and positron emission imaging), optical methods (optical coherence, fluorescence, multiphoton, and laser speckle imaging), and hybrid methods (photoacoustic imaging). We then summarize the strengths and challenges of these methods for preclinical and clinical applications.
Periodic Solutions Generated by Impulses for State-Dependent Impulsive Differential Equation
Authors: Xiao Qizhen , Dai Binxiang
Published: March 2015

We study the existence of periodic solutions for a class of state-dependent impulsive differential systems via geometrical analysis methods. Our results show that these periodic solutions are generated by impulses. Moreover, numerical simulations are used to examine the existence of the periodic solutions.
A Methodology to Exploit Profit Allocation in Logistics Joint Distribution Network Optimization
Authors: Wang Yong , Ma Xiaolei , Xu Maozeng , Wang Likun , Wang Yinhai , Liu Yong
Published: March 2015

Logistics joint distribution network (LJDN) optimization involves vehicle routes scheduling and profit allocation for multiple distribution centers. This is essentially a combinational and cooperative game optimization problem seeking to serve a number of customers with a fleet of vehicles and allocate profit among multiple centers. LJDN routing optimization based on customer clustering units can alleviate the computational complexity and improve the calculation accuracy. In addition, the profit allocation mechanism can be realized based on cooperative game theory through a negotiation procedure by the Logistics Service Provider (LSP). This paper establishes a model to minimize the total cost of the multiple centers joint distribution network when each distribution center is assigned to serve a series of distribution units. An improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is presented to tackle the model formulation by assigning distribution centers (DCs) to distribution units. Improved PSO algorithm combines merits of PSO algorithm and genetic algorithm (GA) with global and local search capabilities. Finally, a Shapley value model based on cooperative game theory is proposed to obtain the optimal profit allocation strategy among distribution centers from nonempty coalitions. The computational results from a case study in Guiyang city, China, suggest the optimal sequential coalition of distribution centers can be achieved according to Strictly Monotonic Path (SMP).
Existence, Uniqueness, and Characterization Theorems for Nonlinear Fuzzy Integrodifferential Equations of Volterra Type
Authors: Abu Arqub Omar , Momani Shaher , Al-Mezel Saleh , Kutbi Marwan
Published: March 2015

Existence and uniqueness theorem are the tool which makes it possible for us to conclude that there exists only one solution to a given problem which satisfies a constraint condition. How does it work? Why is it the case? We believe it, but it would be interesting to see the main ideas behind this. To this end, in this paper, we investigate existence, uniqueness, and other properties of solutions of a certain nonlinear fuzzy Volterra integrodifferential equation under strongly generalized differentiability. The main tools employed in the analysis are based on the applications of the Banach fixed point theorem and a certain integral inequality with explicit estimate. Also, some results for characterizing solution by an equivalent system of crisp Volterra integrodifferential equations are presented. In this way, a new direction for the methods of analytic and approximate solutions is proposed.