bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a One-LLID-per-Queue DBA Algorithm in EPON
Authors: Radzi N. A. M. , Din N. M. , Al-Mansoori M. H. , Zainol Abidin H.
Published: May 2014

The advantages of Ethernet passive optical network (EPON) are setting it to be a natural ubiquitous solution for the access network. In the upstream direction of EPON, the directional property of the splitter requires that the traffic flow be mitigated to avoid collision. A dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA) scheme is desirable in optimizing the bandwidth usage further. In this paper, a global priority DBA mechanism is discussed. The mechanism aims to reduce the overall delay while enhancing the throughput and fairness. This study was conducted using MATLAB where it was compared to two other algorithms in the literature. The results show that the delay is reduced up to 59% and the throughput and fairness index are improved up to 10% and 6%, respectively.
Climate Projections for South America: RegCM3 Driven by HadCM3 and ECHAM5
Authors: Reboita Michelle Simões , da Rocha Rosmeri Porfírio , Dias Cássia Gabriele , Ynoue Rita Yuri
Published: May 2014

This study shows climate projections of air temperature and precipitation over South America (SA) from the Regional Climate Model version 3 (RegCM3) nested in ECHAM5 and HadCM3 global models. The projections consider the A1B scenario from Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and three time-slices: present (1960–1990), near- (2010–2040), and far-future (2070–2100) climates. In the future, RegCM3 projections indicate general warming throughout all SA and seasons, which is more pronounced in the far-future period. In this late period the RegCM3 projections indicate that the negative trend of precipitation over northern SA is also higher. In addition, a precipitation increase over southeastern SA is projected, mainly during summer and spring. The lifecycle of the South American monsoon (SAM) was also investigated in the present and future climates. In the near-future, the projections show a slight delay (one pentad) of the beginning of the rainy season, resulting in a small reduction of the SAM length. In the far-future, there is no agreement between projections related to the SAM features.
Binder Free SnO2-CNT Composite as Anode Material for Li-Ion Battery
Authors: Hernandez Dionne , Mendoza Frank , Febus Emmanuel , Weiner Brad R. , Morell Gerardo
Published: May 2014

Tin dioxide-carbon nanotube (SnO2-CNT) composite films were synthesized on copper substrates by a one-step process using hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD) with methane gas (CH4) as the carbon source. The composite structural properties enhance the surface-to-volume ratio of SnO2demonstrating a desirable electrochemical performance for a lithium-ion battery anode. The SnO2and CNT interactions were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Comprehensive analysis of the structural, chemical, and electrochemical properties reveals that the material consists of self-assembled and highly dispersed SnO2nanoparticles in CNT matrix. The process employed to develop this SnO2-CNT composite film presents a cost effective and facile way to develop anode materials for Li-ion battery technology.
Effect of Surface Roughness and Viscosity-Pressure Dependency on the Couple Stress Squeeze Film Characteristics of Parallel Circular Plates
Authors: Naduvinamani Neminath Bhujappa , Apparao Siddangouda , Hiremath Ayyappa G.
Published: May 2014

Combined effects of surface roughness and viscosity-pressure dependency on the couple stress squeeze film characteristics of parallel circular plates are presented. On the basis of Christensen’s stochastic theory, two types of one-dimensional roughness structures, namely, the radial roughness and azimuthal roughness patterns, are considered and the stochastic modified Reynolds equation for these two types of roughness patterns is derived for Stokes couple stress fluid by taking into account variation of viscosity with pressure. The standard perturbation technique is employed to solve the averaged Reynolds equation and closed form expressions for the mean fluid film pressure, load carrying capacity, and squeeze film time are obtained. It is found that the effects of couple stresses and viscosity-pressure dependency are to increase the load carrying capacity, and squeeze film time for both types of roughness patterns. The effect of azimuthal (radial) roughness pattern is to increase (decrease) these squeeze film characteristics as compared to the corresponding smooth case.
The Crank‐Nicolson Extrapolation Stabilized Finite Element Method for Natural Convection Problem
Authors: Zhang Yunzhang , Hou Yanren
Published: May 2014

This paper studies a fully discrete Crank‐Nicolson linear extrapolation stabilized
finite element method for the natural convection problem, which is
unconditionally stable and has second order temporal accuracy of O(Δt2 + hΔt + hm). A simple artificial viscosity stabilized of the linear system for the
approximation of the new time level connected to antidiffusion of its effects
at the old time level is used. An unconditionally stability and an a priori
error estimate are derived for the fully discrete scheme. A series of numerical
results are presented that validate our theoretical findings.
Automatic Lung Tumor Segmentation on PET/CT Images Using Fuzzy Markov Random Field Model
Authors: Guo Yu , Feng Yuanming , Sun Jian , Zhang Ning , Lin Wang , Sa Yu , Wang Ping
Published: May 2014

The combination of positron emission tomography (PET) and CT images provides complementary functional and anatomical information of human tissues and it has been used for better tumor volume definition of lung cancer. This paper proposed a robust method for automatic lung tumor segmentation on PET/CT images. The new method is based on fuzzy Markov random field (MRF) model. The combination of PET and CT image information is achieved by using a proper joint posterior probability distribution of observed features in the fuzzy MRF model which performs better than the commonly used Gaussian joint distribution. In this study, the PET and CT simulation images of 7 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were used to evaluate the proposed method. Tumor segmentations with the proposed method and manual method by an experienced radiation oncologist on the fused images were performed, respectively. Segmentation results obtained with the two methods were similar and Dice’s similarity coefficient (DSC) was 0.85 ± 0.013. It has been shown that effective and automatic segmentations can be achieved with this method for lung tumors which locate near other organs with similar intensities in PET and CT images, such as when the tumors extend into chest wall or mediastinum.
Polymorphisms ofβ1-Adrenoreceptor Gene and Cardiovascular Complications in Patients with Thyrotoxicosis
Authors: Babenko A. Y. , Grineva E. N. , Savitskaja D. A. , Kravchuk E. N. , Solncev V. N. , Kostareva A. A.
Published: May 2014

Human cardiacβ1-AR perform a crucial role in mediating the cardiostimulating effects of norepinephrine. Gly389Arg and Ser49Gly polymorphisms ofβ1-adrenoreceptors (β1-AR) can influence the cardiovascular prognosis. However, the possible effect of Gly389Arg and Ser49Gly polymorphisms on heart function in thyrotoxicosis has not been studied. We investigated the possible link between Gly389Arg and Ser49Gly polymorphisms and echocardiography parameters in 165 normotensive patients with a thyrotoxicosis without any cardiovascular disorders. Echo-CG was performed according to standard protocol before and during the thyreostatic treatment. Our data demonstrate that both Gly389Arg and Ser49Gly polymorphisms have very moderate influence on the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy and atrial fibrillation with no statistically significant effects on cardiac function and the development of cardiovascular complications.
Radiopharmaceutical Stem Cell Tracking for Neurological Diseases
Authors: Rosado-de-Castro Paulo Henrique , Pimentel-Coelho Pedro Moreno , Gutfilen Bianca , Lopes de Souza Sergio Augusto , de Freitas Gabriel Rodriguez , Mendez-Otero Rosalia , Barbosa da Fonseca Lea Mirian
Published: May 2014

Although neurological ailments continue to be some of the main causes of disease burden in the world, current therapies such as pharmacological agents have limited potential in the restoration of neural functions. Cell therapies, firstly applied to treat different hematological diseases, are now being investigated in preclinical and clinical studies for neurological illnesses. However, the potential applications and mechanisms for such treatments are still poorly comprehended and are the focus of permanent research. In this setting, noninvasivein vivoimaging allows better understanding of several aspects of stem cell therapies. Amongst the various methods available, radioisotope cell labeling has become one of the most promising since it permits tracking of cells after injection by different routes to investigate their biodistribution. A significant increase in the number of studies utilizing this method has occurred in the last years. Here, we review the different radiopharmaceuticals, imaging techniques, and findings of the preclinical and clinical reports published up to now. Moreover, we discuss the limitations and future applications of radioisotope cell labeling in the field of cell transplantation for neurological diseases.
An Uncertain Programming for the Integrated Planning of Production and Transportation
Authors: Mou Deyi , Chang Xiaoding
Published: May 2014

The goal of this paper is to tackle joint decisions in assigning production and organizing transportation for single product in a production‐transportation network system with multiple manufacturers and multiple demands. In order to meet practical situation, assume that the variant costs and the amounts of the consumption of raw materials that every manufacturer produces per unit product are all uncertain variables in manufacturing processes; meanwhile, the demands that each destination needs are random variables in the transportation problem. Then, a joint optimization model of production and transportation is developed, in which the uncertain chance constraint and the stochastic chance constraint are applied in the manufacturing processes and the transporting processes, respectively, and transformed into a deterministic form by taking expected value on objective function and confidence level on the constraint functions. Finally, a practical example points out the effectiveness of our model.
Equine Arteritis Virus Does Not Induce Interferon Production in Equine Endothelial Cells: Identification of Nonstructural Protein 1 as a Main Interferon Antagonist
Authors: Go Yun Young , Li Yanhua , Chen Zhenhai , Han Mingyuan , Yoo Dongwan , Fang Ying , Balasuriya Udeni B. R.
Published: May 2014

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of equine arteritis virus (EAV) on type I interferon (IFN) production. Equine endothelial cells (EECs) were infected with the virulent Bucyrus strain (VBS) of EAV and expression of IFN-βwas measured at mRNA and protein levels by quantitative real-time RT-PCR and IFN bioassay using vesicular stomatitis virus expressing the green fluorescence protein (VSV-GFP), respectively. Quantitative RT-PCR results showed that IFN-βmRNA levels in EECs infected with EAV VBS were not increased compared to those in mock-infected cells. Consistent with quantitative RT-PCR, Sendai virus- (SeV-) induced type I IFN production was inhibited by EAV infection. Using an IFN-βpromoter-luciferase reporter assay, we subsequently demonstrated that EAV nsps 1, 2, and 11 had the capability to inhibit type I IFN activation. Of these three nsps, nsp1 exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect. Taken together, these data demonstrate that EAV has the ability to suppress the type I IFN production in EECs and nsp1 may play a critical role to subvert the equine innate immune response.
Reliability Assessment of Active Distribution System Using Monte Carlo Simulation Method
Authors: Ge Shaoyun , Xu Li , Liu Hong , Zhao Mingxin
Published: May 2014

In this paper we have treated the reliability assessment problem of low and high DG penetration level of active distribution system using the Monte Carlo simulation method. The problem is formulated as a two-case program, the program of low penetration simulation and the program of high penetration simulation. The load shedding strategy and the simulation process were introduced in detail during each FMEA process. Results indicate that the integration of DG can improve the reliability of the system if the system was operated actively.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Children under Anesthesia: The Relationship between the Degree of Information Provided to Parents and Parents’ Anxiety Scores
Authors: Güzel Abdulmenap , Atlı Abdullah , Doğan Erdal , Çelik Feyzi , Tüfek Adnan , Dusak Abdurrahim , Şen Velat , Baysal Yıldırım Zeynep
Published: May 2014

Background. We aimed to investigate the correlation between the anxiety scores of parents whose children are administered anesthesia for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the level of information provided to them before the MRI. The study included 146 children and their parents. The demographic information of the children and their parents was recorded. The parents were divided into two groups. In Group I, the patient’s medical history and physical exam findings were recorded on a standard consultation form by an anesthesiologist. In Group II, the parents were additionally provided with more detailed information on how the anesthesia would be administered and the drugs to be used and their side effects and complications. The anxiety scores of the parents were found to be lower in Group II. A higher level of education was associated with higher anxiety scores. Intergroup comparison detected lower anxiety scores for Group II parents whose education levels were up to high school. However, no change upon receiving detailed information was detected in the anxiety scores of parents with higher education levels. In conclusion, this may lower the anxiety scores in parents informed about details of anesthesia administration and may raise parents’ sense of confidence in the doctor.
Biomechanical Loading Modulates Proinflammatory and Bone Resorptive Mediators in Bacterial-Stimulated PDL Cells
Authors: Nogueira Andressa Vilas Boas , Nokhbehsaim Marjan , Eick Sigrun , Bourauel Christoph , Jäger Andreas , Jepsen Søren , Rossa Carlos , Deschner James , Cirelli Joni Augusto
Published: May 2014

The present study aimed to evaluatein vitrowhether biomechanical loading modulates proinflammatory and bone remodeling mediators production by periodontal ligament (PDL) cells in the presence of bacterial challenge. Cells were seeded on BioFlex culture plates and exposed toFusobacterium nucleatumATCC 25586 and/or cyclic tensile strain (CTS) of low (CTSL) and high (CTSH) magnitudes for 1 and 3 days. Synthesis of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was evaluated by ELISA. Gene expression and protein secretion of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively.F. nucleatumincreased the production of COX2 and PGE2, which was further increased by CTS.F. nucleatum-induced increase of PGE2 synthesis was significantly(P<0.05)increased when CTSH was applied at 1 and 3 days. In addition, CTSH inhibited theF. nucleatum-induced upregulation of OPG at 1 and 3 days, thereby increasing the RANKL/OPG ratio. OPG and RANKL mRNA results correlated with the protein results. In summary, our findings provide original evidence that CTS can enhance bacterial-induced syntheses of molecules associated with inflammation and bone resorption by PDL cells. Therefore, biomechanical, such as orthodontic or occlusal, loading may enhance the bacterial-induced inflammation and destruction in periodontitis.
Excellent Performance of Earth Dams under Resonance Motion Using Isolator Damping Layer
Authors: Gordan Behrouz , Adnan Azlan
Published: May 2014

The effect of blanket layer using isolator damping layer (IDL) between river sand foundation and short embankment to remove damage under severe earthquake was investigated in the present study. In case of numerical analysis by ANSYS program, dominant frequency (DF) was computed by free vibration analysis. Soil mechanic tests for thirteen samples to design IDL formula were carried out. In terms of critical condition for earthquake effect such as resonance, five physical small models were tested using vibrator table under the dominant frequency with scale parameter 1/100. As a result, dam was significantly damaged without blanket layer IDL. In order to reduce damage, the best performance was observed using blanket layer (IDL) when this layer was expanded below the reservoir region. The reinforced thickness layer size is one-fourth of dam height. This method is a novel suggestion for earth dam design in seismic zone.
Study ofχc01P→J/ψγandχb0(1P)→Υ1SγDecays via QCD Sum Rules
Authors: Bashiry V.
Published: May 2014

We present the calculation of the form factor of theχc01P→J/ψγandχb0(1P)→Υ1Sγ decays in the frame work of QCD sum rules. We also find branching ratioBrχc01P→J/ψγ=1.36-0.6+0.9×10-2which is in agreement with the experimental data. Furthermore, we estimate theΓtot(χb0(1P))=4.2-2.21+3.18 MeV, where experimental bound for full width ofχb0is Γtot(χb0(1P))<6 MeV.
Comparative Effect of Massage Therapy versus Kangaroo Mother Care on Body Weight and Length of Hospital Stay in Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants
Authors: Rangey Priya Singh , Sheth Megha
Published: May 2014

Background. Massage therapy (MT) and kangaroo mother care (KMC) are both effective in increasing the weight and reducing length of hospital stay in low birth weight preterm infants but they have not been compared.Aim. Comparison of effectiveness of MT and KMC on body weight and length of hospital stay in low birth weight preterm (LBWPT) infants.Method. 30 LBWPT infants using convenience sampling from Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, V.S. hospital, were randomly divided into 2 equal groups. Group 1 received MT and Group 2 received KMC for 15 minutes, thrice daily for 5 days. Medically stable babies with gestational age < 37 weeks and birth weight < 2500 g were included. Those on ventilators and with congenital, orthopedic, or genetic abnormality were excluded. Outcome measures, body weight and length of hospital stay, were taken before intervention day 1 and after intervention day 5. Level of significance was 5%.Result. Data was analyzed using SPSS16. Both MT and KMC were found to be effective in improving body weight (P= 0.001,P= 0.001). Both were found to be equally effective for improving body weight (P= 0.328) and reducing length of hospital stay (P= 0.868).Conclusion. MT and KMC were found to be equally effective in improving body weight and reducing length of hospital stay.Limitation. Long term follow-up was not taken.
Performance Analysis with Network-Enhanced Complexities: On Fading Measurements, Event-Triggered Mechanisms, and Cyber Attacks
Authors: Ding Derui , Wang Zidong , Dong Hongli , Liu Yurong , Ahmad Bashir
Published: May 2014

Nowadays, the real-world systems are usually subject to various complexities such as parameter uncertainties, time-delays, and nonlinear disturbances. For networked systems, especially large-scale systems such as multiagent systems and systems over sensor networks, the complexities are inevitably enhanced in terms of their degrees or intensities because of the usage of the communication networks. Therefore, it would be interesting to (1) examine how this kind of network-enhanced complexities affects the control or filtering performance; and (2) develop some suitable approaches for controller/filter design problems. In this paper, we aim to survey some recent advances on the performance analysis and synthesis with three sorts of fashionable network-enhanced complexities, namely, fading measurements, event-triggered mechanisms, and attack behaviors of adversaries. First, these three kinds of complexities are introduced in detail according to their engineering backgrounds, dynamical characteristic, and modelling techniques. Then, the developments of the performance analysis and synthesis issues for various networked systems are systematically reviewed. Furthermore, some challenges are illustrated by using a thorough literature review and some possible future research directions are highlighted.
Some Single-Machine Scheduling Problems with Learning Effects and Two Competing Agents
Authors: Li Hongjie , Li Zeyuan , Yin Yunqiang
Published: May 2014

This study considers a scheduling environment in which there are two agents and a set of jobs, each of which belongs to one of the two agents and its actual processing time is defined as a decreasing linear function of its starting time. Each of the two agents competes to process its respective jobs on a single machine and has its own scheduling objective to optimize. The objective is to assign the jobs so that the resulting schedule performs well with respect to the objectives of both agents. The objective functions addressed in this study include the maximum cost, the total weighted completion time, and the discounted total weighted completion time. We investigate three problems arising from different combinations of the objectives of the two agents. The computational complexity of the problems is discussed and solution algorithms where possible are presented.
Global Existence and Uniqueness of Solutions for a Free Boundary Problem Modeling the Growth of Tumors with a Necrotic Core and a Time Delay in Process of Proliferation
Authors: Xu Shihe , Huang Minhai
Published: May 2014

We study a mathematical model for the growth of necrotic tumors with time delays in proliferation. By transforming this problem into an initial‐boundary value problem in fixed domain of a coupled system of a parabolic equation and one integrodifferential equation with time delays, in which all equations involve discontinuous terms, and using the approximation method combined with Schauder fixed point theorem, we prove that this problem has a unique global solution in any time interval [0, T].
An Iterative Algorithm for the Management of an Electric Car-Rental Service
Authors: Conejero J. Alberto , Jordán Cristina , Sanabria-Codesal Esther
Published: May 2014

The management of a car-rental service becomes more complex as long as one-way bookings between different depots are accepted. These bookings can increase the operational costs due to the necessity of moving vehicles from one depot to another by the company staff in order to attend previously accepted bookings. We present an iterative model based on flows on networks for the acceptance of bookings by a car-rental service that permits one-way reservations. Our model lets us also recover the movement of the fleet of vehicles between the depots over the time. In addition, it also permits including restrictions on the amount of cars managed at every single depot. These results can be of interest for an electric car-rental service that operates at different depots within a city or region.
Herbal Extract SH003 Suppresses Tumor Growth and Metastasis of MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells by Inhibiting STAT3-IL-6 Signaling
Authors: Choi Youn Kyung , Cho Sung-Gook , Woo Sang-Mi , Yun Yee Jin , Park Sunju , Shin Yong Cheol , Ko Seong-Gyu
Published: May 2014

Cancer inflammation promotes cancer progression, resulting in a high risk of cancer. Here, we demonstrate that our new herbal extract, SH003, suppresses both tumor growth and metastasis of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells via inhibiting STAT3-IL-6 signaling path. Our new herbal formula, SH003, mixed extract fromAstragalus membranaceus, Angelica gigas, andTrichosanthes kirilowiiMaximowicz, suppressed MDA-MB-231 tumor growth and lung metastasisin vivoand reduced the viability and metastatic abilities of MDA-MB-231 cellsin vitro. Furthermore, SH003 inhibited STAT3 activation, which resulted in a reduction of IL-6 production. Therefore, we conclude that SH003 suppresses highly metastatic breast cancer growth and metastasis by inhibiting STAT3-IL-6 signaling path.
Regulation of Toll-Like Receptor Expression in Human Conjunctival Epithelial Cells
Authors: Li Jing , Setiawan Melina , Wu Hong , Beuerman Roger W. , Zhao Peiquan
Published: May 2014

Previous studies showed marked decrease of multiple Toll-like receptor (TLR) expression in corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells upon culture in vitro. The aim of this study was to identify factor(s) which regulate TLR expression. Primary human conjunctival epithelial cells and immortal conjunctival (IOBA-NHC) and corneal epithelial cell lines (HCET) were used. The effect of various cytokines, hypoxia, mechanical wounding, and airlifting culture on TLR expression was examined by quantitative PCR and western blot analysis. Ligand stimulated TLR activation was analyzed. TLR mRNA expression increased modestly when cultured monolayered cells were stimulated by TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ(about 2-fold), hypoxia (2.1- to 4.8-fold selectively), and wounding (3.1- to 9.3-fold). In airlifted multilayered cells, TLR expression increased 7.8- to 25.9-fold compared to monolayered cells. Airlifted cells showed increased response to low concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and peptidoglycan (PGN) stimulation. NFκB inhibition prevented the formation of cell sheets and led to the collapse of already-formed multilayered structure and the simultaneous reduction of TLR mRNA level. In conclusion, our study showed that the conjunctival epithelial cell expressed TLR was sensitive to various stimulants, and a multilayered epithelium-like structure was needed to maintain TLR expression.
Super-Twisting-Algorithm-Based Terminal Sliding Mode Control for a Bioreactor System
Authors: Xu Sendren Sheng-Dong
Published: May 2014

This study proposes a class of super-twisting-algorithm-based (STA-based) terminal sliding mode control (TSMC) for a bioreactor system with second-order type dynamics. TSMC not only can retain the advantages of conventional sliding mode control (CSMC), including easy implementation, robustness to disturbances, and fast response, but also can make the system states converge to the equivalent point in a finite amount of time after the system states intersect the sliding surface. The chattering phenomena in TSMC will originally exist on the sliding surface after the system states achieve the sliding surface and before the system states reach the equivalent point. However, by using the super twisting algorithm (STA), the chattering phenomena can be obviously reduced. The proposed method is also compared with two other methods: (1) CSMC without STA and (2) TSMC without STA. Finally, the control schemes are applied to the control of a bioreactor system to illustrate the effectiveness and applicability. Simulation results show that it can achieve better performance by using the proposed method.
Inhibitory Effect of Cinobufagin on L-Type Ca2+Currents, Contractility, and Ca2+Homeostasis of Isolated Adult Rat Ventricular Myocytes
Authors: Li Pinya , Song Qiongtao , Liu Tao , Wu Zhonglin , Chu Xi , Zhang Xuan , Zhang Ying , Gao Yonggang , Zhang Jianping , Chu Li
Published: May 2014

Cinobufagin (CBG), a major bioactive ingredient of the bufanolide steroid compounds of Chan Su, has been widely used to treat coronary heart disease. At present, the effect of CBG on the L-type Ca2+current (ICa-L) of ventricular myocytes remains undefined. The aim of the present study was to characterize the effect of CBG on intracellular Ca2+([Ca2+]i) handling and cell contractility in rat ventricular myocytes. CBG was investigated by determining its influence onICa-L, Ca2+transient, and contractility in rat ventricular myocytes using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique and video-based edge-detection and dual-excitation fluorescence photomultiplier systems. The dose of CBG (10−8 M) decreased the maximal inhibition of CBG by 47.93%. CBG reducedICa-Lin a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50of 4 × 10−10 M, upshifted the current-voltage curve ofICa-L, and shifted the activation and inactivation curves ofICa-Lleftward. Moreover, CBG diminished the amplitude of the cell shortening and Ca2+transients with a decrease in the time to peak (Tp) and the time to 50% of the baseline (Tr). CBG inhibited L-type Ca2+channels, and reduced[Ca2+]iand contractility in adult rat ventricular myocytes. These findings contribute to the understanding of the cardioprotective efficacy of CBG.
Application of Wireless Sensor Networks for Indoor Temperature Regulation
Authors: Risteska Stojkoska Biljana , Popovska Avramova Andrijana , Chatzimisios Periklis
Published: May 2014

Wireless sensor networks take a major part in our everyday lives by enhancing systems for home automation, healthcare, temperature control, energy consumption monitoring, and so forth. In this paper we focus on a system used for temperature regulation for residential, educational, industrial, and commercial premises, and so forth. We propose a framework for indoor temperature regulation and optimization using wireless sensor networks based on ZigBee platform. This paper considers architectural design of the system, as well as implementation guidelines. The proposed system favors methods that provide energy savings by reducing the amount of data transmissions through the network. Furthermore, the framework explores techniques for localization, such that the location of the nodes can be used by algorithms that regulate temperature settings.
Long-Term Home Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation Increases Systemic Inflammatory Response in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Paone Gregorino , Conti Vittoria , Biondi-Zoccai Giuseppe , De Falco Elena , Chimenti Isotta , Peruzzi Mariangela , Mollica Corrado , Monaco Gianluca , Giannunzio Gilda , Brunetti Giuseppe , Schmid Giovanni , Ranieri V. Marco , Frati Giacomo
Published: May 2014

Background. Long-term home noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) is beneficial in COPD but its impact on inflammation is unknown. We assessed the hypothesis that NIV modulates systemic and pulmonary inflammatory biomarkers in stable COPD.Methods. Among 610 patients referred for NIV, we shortlisted those undergoing NIV versus oxygen therapy alone, excluding subjects with comorbidities or non-COPD conditions. Sputum and blood samples were collected after 3 months of clinical stability and analyzed for levels of human neutrophil peptides (HNP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Patients underwent a two-year follow-up. Unadjusted, propensity-matched, and pH-stratified analyses were performed.Results. Ninety-three patients were included (48 NIV, 45 oxygen), with analogous baseline features. Sputum analysis showed similar HNP, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-alpha levels (P>0.5). Conversely, NIV group exhibited higher HNP and IL-6 systemic levels (P<0.001) and lower IL-10 concentrations (P<0.001). Subjects undergoing NIV had a significant reduction of rehospitalizations during follow-up compared to oxygen group (P=0.005). These findings were confirmed after propensity matching and pH stratification.Conclusions. These findings challenge prior paradigms based on the assumption that pulmonary inflammation isper sedetrimental. NIV beneficial impact on lung mechanics may overcome the potential unfavorable effects of an increased inflammatory state.
Surface‐Enhanced Infrared Absorption of o‐Nitroaniline on Nickel Nanoparticles Synthesized by Electrochemical Deposition
Authors: Niu Yufang , Yao Jie , Wang Keyu
Published: May 2014

Nickel nanoparticles were electrochemically deposited on indium‐tin oxide (ITO) coated glass plate in a modified Watt’s electrolyte. The surface‐enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) effect of the nanoparticles was evaluated by attenuated total reflection spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) using o‐nitroaniline as a probe molecule. Electrodeposition parameters such as deposition time, pH value, and the type of surfactants were investigated. The morphology and the microstructure of the deposits were characterized by the field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and the atomic force microscope (AFM), respectively. The results indicate that the optimum parameters were potential of 1.3 V, time of 30 s, and pH of 8.92 in the solution of 0.3756 mol/L diethanolamine, 0.1 mol/L nickel sulfate, 0.01 mol/L nickel chloride, and 0.05 mol/L boric acid. The FESEM observation shows that the morphology of nickel nanoparticles with best enhancement effect is spherical and narrowly distributed particles with the average size of 50 nm. SEIRA enhancement factor is about 68.
A Review on Antiulcer Activity of Few Indian Medicinal Plants
Authors: Vimala G. , Gricilda Shoba F.
Published: May 2014

Ulcer is a common gastrointestinal disorder which is seen among many people. It is basically an inflamed break in the skin or the mucus membrane lining the alimentary tract. Ulceration occurs when there is a disturbance of the normal equilibrium caused by either enhanced aggression or diminished mucosal resistance. It may be due to the regular usage of drugs, irregular food habits, stress, and so forth. Peptic ulcers are a broad term that includes ulcers of digestive tract in the stomach or the duodenum. The formation of peptic ulcers depends on the presence of acid and peptic activity in gastric juice plus a breakdown in mucosal defenses. A number of synthetic drugs are available to treat ulcers. But these drugs are expensive and are likely to produce more side effects when compared to herbal medicines. The literature revealed that many medicinal plants and polyherbal formulations are used for the treatment of ulcer by various ayurvedic doctors and traditional medicinal practitioners. The ideal aims of treatment of peptic ulcer disease are to relieve pain, heal the ulcer, and delay ulcer recurrence. In this review attempts have been made to know about some medicinal plants which may be used in ayurvedic as well as modern science for the treatment or prevention of peptic ulcer.
Corticospinal Tract Change during Motor Recovery in Patients with Medulla Infarct: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study
Authors: Rong Dongdong , Zhang Miao , Ma Qingfeng , Lu Jie , Li Kuncheng
Published: May 2014

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography (DTT) provide a powerful vehicle for investigating motor recovery mechanisms. However, little is known about these mechanisms in patients with medullary lesions. We used DTI and DTT to evaluate three patients presenting with motor deficits following unilateral medulla infarct. Patients were scanned three times during 1 month (within 7, 14, and 30 days after stroke onset). Fractional anisotropy (FA) values were measured in the medulla, cerebral peduncle, and internal capsule. The three-dimensional corticospinal tract (CST) was reconstructed using DTT. Patients 1 and 2 showed good motor recovery after 14 days, and the FA values of their affected CST were slightly decreased. DTTs demonstrated that the affected CST passed along periinfarct areas and that tract integrity was preserved in the medulla. Patient 3 had the most obvious decrease in FA values along the affected CST, with motor deficits of the right upper extremity after 30 days. The affected CST passed through the infarct and was disrupted in the medulla. In conclusion, DTI can detect the involvement and changes of the CST in patients with medulla infarct during motor recovery. The degree of degeneration and spared periinfarct CST compensation may be an important motor recovery mechanism.
Matrix Factorization for Evolution Data
Authors: Huang Xiao-Yu , Xiang Xian-Hong , Li Wubin , Chen Kang , Cai Wen-Xue , Li Lei
Published: May 2014

We study a matrix factorization problem, that is, to find two factor matrices U and V such that R ≈ UT × V, where R is a matrix composed of the values of the objects O1, O2, …, On at consecutive time points T1, T2, …, Tt. We first present MAFED, a constrained optimization model for this problem, which straightforwardly performs factorization on R. Then based on the interplay of the data in U, V, and R, a probabilistic graphical model using the same optimization objects is constructed, in which structural dependencies of the data in these matrices are revealed. Finally, we present a fitting algorithm to solve the proposed MAFED model, which produces the desired factorization. Empirical studies on real‐world datasets demonstrate that our approach outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art comparison algorithms.
Some New Explicit Values of Quotients of Ramanujan’s Theta Functions and Continued Fractions
Authors: Saikia Nipen
Published: May 2014

We evaluate some new explicit values of quotients of Ramanujan’s theta functions and use them to find explicit values of Ramanujan’s continued fractions.
Crank-Nicolson Fully DiscreteH1-Galerkin Mixed Finite Element Approximation of One Nonlinear Integrodifferential Model
Authors: Chen Fengxin
Published: May 2014

We consider a fully discreteH1-Galerkin mixed finite element approximation of one nonlinear integrodifferential model which often arises in mathematical modeling of the process of a magnetic field penetrating into a substance. We adopt the Crank-Nicolson discretization for time derivative. Optimal order a priori error estimates for the unknown function inL2andH1norm and its gradient function inL2norm are presented. A numerical example is given to verify the theoretical results.
Privacy Preserving Inner Product of Vectors in Cloud Computing
Authors: Sheng Gang , Wen Tao , Guo Quan , Yin Ying
Published: May 2014

The problem of privacy preserving inner product of vectors has been widely studied. Much work has been done on the scenario of two parties involved in the computation. In this paper, we consider the scenario where three parties are involved in the computing process of cloud computing. We propose a new privacy preserving scheme for inner product of two vectors in the cloud and give the correctness analysis and performance analysis for the scheme. The proposed scheme is based on homomorphic encryption, and the security can be guaranteed. Experiments show the efficiency of the scheme.
Damage Identification for Large Span Structure Based on Multiscale Inputs to Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Lu Wei , Teng Jun , Cui Yan
Published: May 2014

In structural health monitoring system, little research on the damage identification from different types of sensors applied to large span structure has been done in the field. In fact, it is significant to estimate the whole structural safety if the multitype sensors or multiscale measurements are used in application of structural health monitoring and the damage identification for large span structure. A methodology to combine the local and global measurements in noisy environments based on artificial neural network is proposed in this paper. For a real large span structure, the capacity of the methodology is validated, including the decision on damage placement, the discussions on the number of the sensors, and the optimal parameters for artificial neural networks. Furthermore, the noisy environments in different levels are simulated to demonstrate the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Malnutrition, Overweight, and Obesity among Urban and Rural Children in North of West Azerbijan, Iran
Authors: Nouri Saeidlou Sakineh , Babaei Fariba , Ayremlou Parvin
Published: May 2014

Introduction.Malnutrition is one of the most important causes for improper physical and mental development of children. Childhood obesity is a worldwide public health problem. The increasing prevalence of childhood obesity has become a growing matter of public health concern worldwide. The aim of the current study was to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and obesity in children under 5 years old in Salmas district.Methods.The current study is a cross-sectional study conducted on 902 of children under 5 years old to assess the nutritional status in Salmas district and performed from 16 until 30 October, 2011, with the cooperation of the Office of Community Nutrition Improvement and the United Nations Children’s Fund. ENA (Emergency Nutrition Assessment) and Spss software were used for data analysis.Results.49.6% of children were boys and 50.4% were girls. The prevalence of malnutrition based on underweight, stunting, and wasting was estimated to be 2.3%, 7.3%, and 1.4% among children, respectively. Stunting was more common in rural areas and this difference was significant (P<0.001).Conclusion.In this area stunting, overweight and obesity were the most important priorities that health officials must pay more attention to. ENA software has a special ability to determine the samples and clusters and is a simple, rapid, and accurate method, especially in epidemiological studies in the country, and can be a convenient tool and its use is suggested for the same studies.
On Certain Subclass of Meromorphic Spirallike Functions Involving the Hypergeometric Function
Authors: Shi Lei , Wang Zhi-Gang
Published: May 2014

We introduce and investigate a new subclassMm1(θ,λ,η)of meromorphic spirallike functions. Such results as integral representations, convolution properties, and coefficient estimates are proved. The results presented here would provide extensions of those given in earlier works. Several other results are also obtained.
Protective Immunity Based on the Conserved Hemagglutinin Stalk Domain and Its Prospects for Universal Influenza Vaccine Development
Authors: Khanna Madhu , Sharma Sachin , Kumar Binod , Rajput Roopali
Published: May 2014

Influenza virus surface glycoprotein hemagglutinin (HA) is an excellent and chief target thatelicitsneutralizing antibodies during vaccination or natural infection. Its HA2 subunit (stem domain) is most conserved as compared to HA1 subunit (globular head domain). Current influenza vaccine relies on globular head domain that provides protection only against the homologous vaccine strains, rarely provides cross-protection against divergent strains, and needs to be updated annually. There is an urge for a truly universal vaccine that provides broad cross-protection against different subtype influenza A viruses along with influenza B viruses and need not be updated annually. Antibodies against the stem domain of hemagglutinin (HA) are able to neutralize a wide spectrum of influenza virus strains and subtypes. These stem-specific antibodies have great potential for the development of universal vaccine against influenza viruses. In this review, we have discussed the stem-specific cross-reactive antibodies and heterosubtypic protection provided by them. We have also discussed their epitope-based DNA vaccine and their future prospects in this scenario.
Deliriumduring Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Leite Marcela Aparecida , Osaku Erica Fernanda , Costa Claudia Rejane Lima de Macedo , Cândia Maria Fernanda , Toccolini Beatriz , Covatti Caroline , Costa Nicolle Lamberti , Nogueira Sandy Teixeira , Ogasawara Suely Mariko , de Albuquerque Carlos Eduardo , Pilatti Cleverson Marcelo , Piana Pitágoras Augusto , Jorge Amaury Cezar , Duarte Péricles Almeida Delfino
Published: May 2014

Background. We compare the incidence ofdeliriumbefore and after extubation and identify the risk factors and possible predictors for the occurrence ofdeliriumin this group of patients.Methods. Patients weaned from mechanical ventilation (MV) and extubated were included. The assessment ofdeliriumwas conducted using the confusion assessment method for the ICU and completed twice per day until discharge from the intensive care unit.Results. Sixty-four patients were included in the study, 53.1% of whom presented withdelirium. The risk factors ofdeliriumwere age (P=0.01), SOFA score (P=0.03), APACHE score (P=0.01), and a neurological cause of admission (P=0.01). The majority of the patients began withdeliriumbefore or on the day of extubation. Hypoactivedeliriumwas the most common form.Conclusion. Acute (traumatic or medical) neurological injuries were important risk factors in the development ofdelirium. During the weaning process,deliriumdeveloped predominantly before or on the same day of extubation and was generally hypoactive (more difficult to detect). Therefore, while planning early prevention strategies, attention must be focused on neurological patients who are receiving MV and possibly even on patients who are still under sedation.
PSO-Based Support Vector Machine with Cuckoo Search Technique for Clinical Disease Diagnoses
Authors: Liu Xiaoyong , Fu Hui
Published: May 2014

Disease diagnosis is conducted with a machine learning method. We have proposed a novel machine learning method that hybridizes support vector machine (SVM), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and cuckoo search (CS). The new method consists of two stages: firstly, a CS based approach for parameter optimization of SVM is developed to find the better initial parameters of kernel function, and then PSO is applied to continue SVM training and find the best parameters of SVM. Experimental results indicate that the proposed CS-PSO-SVM model achieves better classification accuracy and F-measure than PSO-SVM and GA-SVM. Therefore, we can conclude that our proposed method is very efficient compared to the previously reported algorithms.
Activity of Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Essential Oil against L3 Larvae ofAnisakis simplex
Authors: Gómez-Rincón Carlota , Langa Elisa , Murillo Paula , Valero Marta Sofía , Berzosa César , López Víctor
Published: May 2014

Nematicidal activity ofMelaleuca alternifoliaessential oil, commonly known as tea tree oil (TTO), was assayedin vitroagainst L3 larvae ofAnisakis simplex. The results showed a mortality of 100% for concentrations between 7 and 10 μL/mL after 48 h of incubation, obtaining an LD50 value of 4.53 μL/mL after 24 hours and 4.27 μL/mL after 48 hours. Concentration-dependent inhibition of acetylcholinesterase was observed for tea tree essential oil showing inhibition values of 100% at 100 μL/mL. This fact suggests that TTO may act as an AChE inhibitor. Terpinen-4-ol was discarded as main larvicide compound as it did not show larvicidal or anticholinesterase activity. The data obtained suggest that the essential oil ofMelaleuca alternifoliamay have a great therapeutic potential for the treatment of human anisakiasis.
Bioassay-Guided Isolation and Antioxidant Evaluation of Flavonoid Compound from Aerial Parts ofLippia nodifloraL.
Authors: Sudha A. , Srinivasan P.
Published: May 2014

The present study was designed to identify the DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free-radical scavenging constituents from methanol extract ofL. nodiflorausing bioassay-guided fractionation. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) revealed a strong antioxidant activity, compared to other fractions throughin vitroDPPH radical-scavenging assay. The repeated fractionation of active EAF by silica gel column chromatography yielded a compound with strong antioxidant potential. The isolated bioactive compound was determined as 2-(3, 4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-4H-chromen-4-one (5-hydroxy-3′, 4′, 7-trimethoxyflavone), by comparing spectral data (UV, IR,1H NMR,13C NMR, and MS) with literature reports. The isolated compound demonstrated an excellent antioxidant activity through all antioxidant assays and also significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation at a concentration of 50 μg/mL. The results obtained suggested that extracts fromL. nodifloraor its derived phytocompound can be used potentially as a bioactive source of natural antioxidants by contributing beneficial health effects.