bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On-Line Booking Policies and Competitive Analysis of Medical Examination in Hospital
Authors: Luo Li , Qin Chun-rong , Tang Shi-jun , Chen Xian , Guo Hui-li
Published: May 2014

From the on-line point, we consider the hospital’s medical examination appointment problem with hierarchical machines. This approach eliminates the need for both demand forecasts and a risk-neutrality assumption. Due to different unit revenue, uncertain demand, and arrival of patients, we design on-line booking policies for two kinds of different situations from the perspective of on-line policy and competitive analysis. After that, we prove the optimal competitive ratios. Through numerical examples, we compare advantages and disadvantages between on-line policies and traditional policies, finding that there is different superiority for these two policies under different arrival sequences.
Distributed Cooperative Algorithm for k-M Set with Negative Integer k by Fractal Symmetrical Property
Authors: Yang Gelan , Liu Shuai
Published: May 2014

In recent years, fractal is widely used everywhere and escape time algorithm (ETA) became the most useful fractal creating method. However, ETA performs not so well because it needs huge computations. So, in this paper, we first present an improved fractal creating algorithm by symmetrical radius of [Formula: see text] set. Meanwhile, we use distributed cooperative method to improve classic ETA into parallel system, which is called distributed cooperative ETA (DCETA). Secondly, we present the proof of fractal property in [Formula: see text] set [Formula: see text] with exponent [Formula: see text], which concludes its threshold and symmetrical property. Finally, computational result shows correctness of the novel DCETA, which shows better computational effectiveness and lower waste.
Evaluation of a Depth‐Based Multivariate k‐Nearest Neighbor Resampling Method with Stormwater Quality Data
Authors: Lee Taesam , Ouarda Taha B. M. J. , Chebana Fateh , Park Daeryong
Published: May 2014

A nonparametric simulation model (k‐nearest neighbor resampling, KNNR) for water quality analysis involving geographic information is suggested to overcome the drawbacks of parametric models. Geographic information is, however, not appropriately handled in the KNNR nonparametric model. In the current study, we introduce a novel statistical notion, called a “depth function,” in the classical KNNR model to appropriately manipulate geographic information in simulating stormwater quality. An application is presented for a case study of the total suspended solids throughout the entire United States. The stormwater total suspended solids concentration data indicated that the proposed model significantly improves the simulation performance compared with the existing KNNR model.
An Improved Real‐Coded Population‐Based Extremal Optimization Method for Continuous Unconstrained Optimization Problems
Authors: Zeng Guo-Qiang , Lu Kang-Di , Chen Jie , Zhang Zheng-Jiang , Dai Yu-Xing , Peng Wen-Wen , Zheng Chong-Wei
Published: May 2014

As a novel evolutionary optimization method, extremal optimization (EO) has been successfully applied to a variety of combinatorial optimization problems. However, the applications of EO in continuous optimization problems are relatively rare. This paper proposes an improved real‐coded population‐based EO method (IRPEO) for continuous unconstrained optimization problems. The key operations of IRPEO include generation of real‐coded random initial population, evaluation of individual and population fitness, selection of bad elements according to power‐law probability distribution, generation of new population based on uniform random mutation, and updating the population by accepting the new population unconditionally. The experimental results on 10 benchmark test functions with the dimension N = 30 have shown that IRPEO is competitive or even better than the recently reported various genetic algorithm (GA) versions with different mutation operations in terms of simplicity, effectiveness, and efficiency. Furthermore, the superiority of IRPEO to other evolutionary algorithms such as original population‐based EO, particle swarm optimization (PSO), and the hybrid PSO‐EO is also demonstrated by the experimental results on some benchmark functions.
Voltage-Mode Multifunction Biquadratic Filter with One Input and Six Outputs Using Two ICCIIs
Authors: Chen Hua-Pin
Published: May 2014

A novel voltage-mode multifunction biquadratic filter with one input and six outputs is presented. The proposed circuit can realize inverting and noninverting low-pass, bandpass, and high-pass filters, simultaneously, by using two inverting second-generation current conveyors (ICCIIs), two grounded capacitors, and four resistors. Moreover, the proposed circuit offers the following attractive advantages: no requirements for component matching conditions, the use of only grounded capacitors, and low active and passive sensitivities. HSPICE and MATLAB simulations results are provided to demonstrate the theoretical analysis.
General Asymptotic Supnorm Estimates for Solutions of One-Dimensional Advection-Diffusion Equations in Heterogeneous Media
Authors: Barrionuevo José A. , Oliveira Lucas S. , Zingano Paulo R.
Published: May 2014

We derive general bounds for the large time size of supnorm values ∥u(·,t)∥L∞(ℝ) of solutions to one-dimensional advection-diffusion equations ut+(b(x,t)u)x=uxx,x∈ℝ,t>0 with initial data u(·,0)∈Lp0(ℝ)∩L∞(ℝ) for some 1≤p0<∞ and arbitrary bounded advection speeds b(x,t), introducing new techniques based on suitable energy arguments. Some open problems and related results are also given.
Inflammatory Response in Islet Transplantation
Authors: Kanak Mazhar A. , Takita Morihito , Kunnathodi Faisal , Lawrence Michael C. , Levy Marlon F. , Naziruddin Bashoo
Published: May 2014

Islet cell transplantation is a promising beta cell replacement therapy for patients with brittle type 1 diabetes as well as refractory chronic pancreatitis. Despite the vast advancements made in this field, challenges still remain in achieving high frequency and long-term successful transplant outcomes. Here we review recent advances in understanding the role of inflammation in islet transplantation and development of strategies to prevent damage to islets from inflammation. The inflammatory response associated with islets has been recognized as the primary cause of early damage to islets and graft loss after transplantation. Details on cell signaling pathways in islets triggered by cytokines and harmful inflammatory events during pancreas procurement, pancreas preservation, islet isolation, and islet infusion are presented. Robust control of pre- and peritransplant islet inflammation could improve posttransplant islet survival and in turn enhance the benefits of islet cell transplantation for patients who are insulin dependent. We discuss several potent anti-inflammatory strategies that show promise for improving islet engraftment. Further understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in the inflammatory response will provide the basis for developing potent therapeutic strategies for enhancing the quality and success of islet transplantation.
Optimum Availability of Standalone Photovoltaic Power Systems for Remote Housing Electrification
Authors: Khatib Tamer , Elmenreich Wilfried
Published: May 2014

The availability of PV systems is discussed to determine the optimum availability at which standalone PV systems must be designed. Optimization methods and PV systems software, such as HOMER and PV.MY, were used for this purpose. Six PV systems with six availability levels were analyzed, in terms of wasted energy, cost of energy, battery usage, and power shortages, using real meteorological data. Results show that PV systems with 99% availability are recommended, because of their high reliability and favorably wasted energy.
Multiple Positive Solutions for a Coupled System ofp-Laplacian Fractional Order Two-Point Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Prasad K. R. , Krushna B. M. B.
Published: May 2014

This paper establishes the existence of at least three positive solutions for a coupled system ofp-Laplacian fractional order two-point boundary value problems,D0+β1(ϕp(D0+α1u(t)))=f1(t,u(t),v(t)),t∈(0,1),D0+β2(ϕp(D0+α2v(t)))=f2(t,u(t),v(t)),t∈(0,1),u(0)=D0+q1u(0)=0,γu(1)+δD0+q2u(1)=0,D0+α1u(0)=D0+α1u(1)=0,v(0)=D0+q1v(0)=0,γv(1)+δD0+q2v(1)=0,D0+α2v(0)=D0+α2v(1)=0, by applying five functionals fixed point theorem.
BAG3 and HIF-1αCoexpression Detected by Immunohistochemistry Correlated with Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Xiao Heng , Tong Rongliang , Cheng Shaobing , Lv Zhen , Ding Chaofeng , Du Chengli , Xie Haiyang , Zhou Lin , Wu Jian , Zheng Shusen
Published: May 2014

Objective. The objective is to determine the effects of BAG3 and HIF-1αexpression on the prognosis of HCC patients after liver transplantation.Methods. Samples from 31 patients with HCC receiving liver transplantation were collected for this study. The immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of BAG3 and HIF-1αof HCC samples.Results. According to the immunohistochemistry results, BAG3 and HIF-1αstaining were significantly associated with tumor TNM stage (P=0.004,P=0.012). A significant association between high BAG3/HIF-1αlevels and a shorter overall survival was detected, so as the combined BAG3 and HIF-1αanalysis.Conclusion. The results suggested that the expression level of BAG3 and HIF-1αis efficient prognostic parameters in patients with HCC after liver transplantation.
An Unconditionally Stable, Positivity-Preserving Splitting Scheme for Nonlinear Black-Scholes Equation with Transaction Costs
Authors: Guo Jianqiang , Wang Wansheng
Published: May 2014

This paper deals with the numerical analysis of nonlinear Black-Scholes equation with transaction costs. An unconditionally stable and monotone splitting method, ensuring positive numerical solution and avoiding unstable oscillations, is proposed. This numerical method is based on the LOD-Backward Euler method which allows us to solve the discrete equation explicitly. The numerical results for vanilla call option and for European butterfly spread are provided. It turns out that the proposed scheme is efficient and reliable.
A Novel Blind Event Detection Method for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kieu-Xuan Thuc , Choi Sungsoo , Koo Insoo
Published: May 2014

Student'st-distribution is utilized to derive a novel method for event detection in wireless sensor networks. Numerical analysis is used to show that under the same conditions, the proposed event detection method is comparable to likelihood ratio-based detection method and that it significantly outperforms energy detection method in terms of detection performance. Moreover, the proposed method does not require perfect knowledge of noise variance to set up a decision threshold in terms of a false alarm probability as the likelihood ratio based detection and the energy detection do.
Propranolol in Treatment of Huge and Complicated Infantile Hemangiomas in Egyptian Children
Authors: Hassan Basheir A. , Shreef Khalid S.
Published: May 2014

Background. Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common benign tumours of infancy. Propranolol has recently been reported to be a highly effective treatment for IHs. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and side effects of propranolol for treatment of complicated cases of IHs.Patients and Methods. This prospective clinical study included 30 children with huge or complicated IHs; their ages ranged from 2 months to 1 year. They were treated by oral propranolol. Treatment outcomes were clinically evaluated.Results. Superficial cutaneous hemangiomas began to respond to propranolol therapy within one to two weeks after the onset of treatment. The mean treatment period that was needed for the occurrence of complete resolution was 9.4 months. Treatment with propranolol was well tolerated and had few side effects. No rebound growth of the tumors was noted when propranolol dosing stopped except in one case.Conclusion. Propranolol is a promising treatment for IHs without obvious side effects. However, further studies with longer follow-up periods are needed.
Gender and Uveitis in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Gordon Lynn K. , Goldstein Debra A.
Published: May 2014

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, is more commonly seen in women. It has been associated with both anterior and intermediate uveitis as well as retinal vasculitis. Ocular inflammation may develop concurrent with, prior to, or after the development of neurologic signs and symptoms. Patients with MS have an approximately 1% chance of developing intraocular inflammation. Patients with intermediate uveitis have an 8–12% risk of being diagnosed with MS. This risk is higher in females and in those with bilateral disease. This should be kept in mind when evaluating patients with uveitis, particularly in those patients for whom TNF inhibitor therapy is being considered, as these agents may worsen demyelinating disease.
Weak Convergence Theorems for Bregman Relatively Nonexpansive Mappings in Banach Spaces
Authors: Pang Chin-Tzong , Naraghirad Eskandar , Wen Ching-Feng
Published: May 2014

We study Mann type iterative algorithms for finding fixed points of Bregman relatively nonexpansive mappings in Banach spaces. By exhibiting an example, we first show that the class of Bregman relatively nonexpansive mappings embraces properly the class of Bregman strongly nonexpansive mappings which was investigated by Martín-Márques et al. (2013). We then prove weak convergence theorems for the sequences produced by the methods. Some application of our results to the problem of finding a zero of a maximal monotone operator in a Banach space is presented. Our results improve and generalize many known results in the current literature.
Fixed Point Results forG-α-Contractive Maps with Application to Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Hussain Nawab , Parvaneh Vahid , Roshan Jamal Rezaei
Published: May 2014

We unify the concepts ofG-metric, metric-like, andb-metric to define new notion of generalizedb-metric-like space and discuss its topological and structural properties. In addition, certain fixed point theorems for two classes ofG-α-admissible contractive mappings in such spaces are obtained and some new fixed point results are derived in corresponding partially ordered space. Moreover, some examples and an application to the existence of a solution for the first-order periodic boundary value problem are provided here to illustrate the usability of the obtained results.
Chlamydia trachomatisAntibody Testing in Vaginal Mucosal Material versus Blood Samples of Women Attending a Fertility Clinic and an STI Clinic
Authors: van den Broek Ingrid V. F. , Land Jolande A. , van Bergen Jan E. A. M. , Morré Servaas A. , van der Sande Marianne A. B.
Published: May 2014

Background.Chlamydia infections often follow an asymptomatic course but may damage the reproductive tract. Chlamydia antibodies in serum are used as markers for past infections and can relate to tubal pathology and infertility. This“proof of principle”study aimed to assess whether Chlamydia antibodies are detectable in easier to obtain, noninvasive, vaginal mucosa samples and relate to current or past infection.Methods.We compared outcomes of Chlamydia IgG and IgA antibody tests in serum and vaginal mucosal swabs in (a) 77 women attending a fertility clinic, of whom 25 tested positive for serum-IgG and (b) 107 women visiting an STI centre, including 30 Chlamydia PCR-positive subjects.Results.In the STI clinic, active Chlamydia infections were linked to serum-IgG and serum-IgA (P<0.001) and mucosa-IgA (P<0.001), but not mucosa-IgG. In the fertility clinic, mucosa-IgG had stronger correlations with serum-IgG (P=0.02) than mucosa-IgA (P=0.06). Women with tubal pathology or Chlamydia history more commonly had serum-IgG and mucosa-IgA (bothP<0.001), whereas this link was weaker for mucosa-IgG (P=0.03).Conclusion.Chlamydia IgG and IgA are detectable in vaginal mucosal material. Serum-IgG had stronger associations with current or past infections. Mucosa-IgA also showed associations with (past) infection and complications. IgA presence in vaginal mucosa warrants further epidemiological studies.
Results fromAd Hocand Routinely Collected Data among Celiac Women with Infertility or Pregnancy Related Disorders: Italy, 2001–2011
Authors: Fortunato Francesca , Martinelli Domenico , Prato Rosa , Pedalino Biagio
Published: May 2014

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune illness triggered by gluten consumption in genetically predisposed individuals. Worldwide, CD prevalence is approximately 1%. Several studies suggest a higher prevalence of undiagnosed CD in patients with infertility. We described reproductive disorders and assessed the frequency of hospital admissions for infertility among celiac women aged 15–49. We conducted two surveys enrolling a convenient sample of celiac women, residing in Apulia or in Basilicata (Italy). Moreover, we selected hospital discharge records (HDRs) of celiac women and women with an exemption for CD, and matched the lists with HDRs for reproductive disorders. In the surveys we included 91 celiac women; 61.5% of them reported menstrual cycle disorders. 47/91 reported at least one pregnancy and 70.2% of them reported problems during pregnancy. From the HDRs and the registry of exemption, we selected 4,070 women with CD; the proportion of women hospitalized for infertility was higher among celiac women than among resident women in childbearing age (1.2% versus 0.2%). Our findings highlight a higher prevalence of reproductive disorders among celiac women than in the general population suggesting that clinicians might consider testing for CD women presenting with pregnancy disorders or infertility.
A Plant Propagation Algorithm for Constrained Engineering Optimisation Problems
Authors: Sulaiman Muhammad , Salhi Abdellah , Selamoglu Birsen Irem , Kirikchi Omar Bahaaldin
Published: May 2014

Optimisation problems arising in industry are some of the hardest, often because of the tight specifications of the products involved. They are almost invariably constrained and they involve highly nonlinear, and non‐convex functions both in the objective and in the constraints. It is also often the case that the solutions required must be of high quality and obtained in realistic times. Although there are already a number of well performing optimisation algorithms for such problems, here we consider the novel Plant Propagation Algorithm (PPA) which on continuous problems seems to be very competitive. It is presented in a modified form to handle a selection of problems of interest. Comparative results obtained with PPA and state‐of‐the‐art optimisation algorithms of the Nature‐inspired type are presented and discussed. On this selection of problems, PPA is found to be as good as and in some cases superior to these algorithms.
Ellipse Fitting Based Approach for Extended Object Tracking
Authors: Li Borui , Mu Chundi , Bai Yongqiang , Bi Jianquan , Wang Lei
Published: May 2014

With the increase of sensors’ resolution, traditional object tracking technology, which ignores object’s physical extension, gradually becomes inappropriate. Extended object tracking (EOT) technology is able to obtain more information about the object through jointly estimating both centroid’s dynamic state and physical extension of the object. Random matrix based approach is a promising method for EOT. It uses ellipse/ellipsoid to describe the physical extension of the object. In order to reduce the physical extension estimation error when object maneuvers, the relationship between ellipse/ellipsoid and symmetrical positive definite matrix is analyzed at first. On this basis, ellipse/ellipsoid fitting based approach (EFA) for EOT is proposed based on the measurement model and centroid’s dynamic model of random matrix based EOT approach. Simulation results show that EFA is effective. The physical extension estimation error of EFA is lower than those of random matrix based approaches when object maneuvers. Besides, the estimation error of centroid’s dynamic state of EFA is also lower.
Nonlinear Equations of Infinite Order Defined by an Elliptic Symbol
Authors: Bravo Vera Mauricio
Published: May 2014

The aim of this work is to show existence and regularity properties of equations of the formf(Δ)u=U(x,u(x))onℝn, in whichfis a measurable function that satisfies some conditions of ellipticity andΔstands for the Laplace operator onℝn. Here, we define the class of functions to whichfbelongs and the Hilbert space in which we will find the solution to this equation. We also give the formal definition off(Δ)explaining how to understand this operator.
Salvage Radiosurgery for Selected Patients with Recurrent Malignant Gliomas
Authors: Martínez-Carrillo Miguel , Tovar-Martín Isabel , Zurita-Herrera Mercedes , Del Moral-Ávila Rosario , Guerrero-Tejada Rosario , Saura-Rojas Enrique , Osorio-Ceballos Juan Luis , Arrebola-Moreno Juan Pedro , Expósito-Hernández José
Published: May 2014

Purpose. To analyse the survival after salvage radiosurgery and to identify prognostic factors.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 87 consecutive patients, with recurrent high-grade glioma, that underwent stereotactic radiosurgery between 1997 and 2010. We evaluated the survival after initial diagnosis and after reirradiation. The prognostic factors were analysed by bivariate and multivariate Cox regression model.Results. The median age was 48 years old. The primary histology included anaplastic astrocytoma (47%) and glioblastoma (53%). A margin dose of 18 Gy was administered in the majority of cases (74%). The median survival after initial diagnosis was 21 months (39 months for anaplastic astrocytoma and 18.5 months for glioblastoma) and after reirradiation it was 10 months (17 months for anaplastic astrocytoma and 7.5 months for glioblastoma). In the bivariate analyses, the prognostic factors significantly associated with survival after reirradiation were age, tumour and treatment volume at recurrence, recursive partitioning analyses classification, Karnofsky performance score, histology, and margin to the planning target volume. Only the last four showed significant association in the multivariate analyses.Conclusion. stereotactic radiosurgery is a safe and may be an effective treatment option for selected patients diagnosed with recurrent high-grade glioma. The identified prognostic factors could help individualise the treatment.
Daily Controlled Consumption of an Electrokinetically Modified Water Alters the Fatigue Response as a Result of Strenuous Resistance Exercise
Authors: Borsa Paul A. , Larkin-Kaiser Kelly A.
Published: May 2014

Our objective was to assess the effects of consuming electrokinetically modified water (EMW) on fatigue attenuation and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) following resistance exercise. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm trial was used in this investigation. Forty participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental or a placebo-control group. Participants consumed the EMW or placebo water daily for eighteen days prior to completing a fatigue protocol for the elbow flexors. The fatigue protocol consisted of a single bout of resistance exercise for the biceps brachii. Participants were tested for isometric strength before exercise and immediately following exercise. The maximal voluntary isometric contraction was used as the criterion measure for strength. To calculate the fatigue index, the postexercise maximal voluntary isometric contraction value was divided by the preexercise maximal voluntary isometric contraction value multiplied by 100. Also, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed using the Borg scale. Fatigue indices and RPE were significantly lower for the experimental group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Consuming EMW for eighteen days prior to high intensity resistance exercise can significantly enhance muscle contractile function by reducing muscle fatigue and RPE.
Comparison of Two Old Phytochemicals versus Two Newly Researched Plant‐Derived Compounds: Potential for Brain and Other Relevant Ailments
Authors: Wang Chun-Mei , Liang Willmann , Yew D. T.
Published: May 2014

Among hundreds of formulae of Chinese herbal prescriptions and recently extracted active components from the herbs, some of which had demonstrated their functions on nervous system. For the last decade or more, Gingko biloba and Polygala tenuifolia were widely studied for their beneficial effects against damage to the brain. Two compounds extracted from Apium graveolens and Rhizoma coptidis, butylphthalide and berberine, respectively, received much attention recently as potential neuroprotective agents. In this review, the two traditionally used herbs and the two relatively new compounds will be discussed with regard to their potential advantages in alleviating brain and other relevant ailments.
DNA Cleavage, Cytotoxic Activities, and Antimicrobial Studies of Ternary Copper(II) Complexes of Isoxazole Schiff Base and Heterocyclic Compounds
Authors: Chityala Vijay Kumar , Sathish Kumar K. , Macha Ramesh , Tigulla Parthasarathy , Shivaraj
Published: May 2014

Novel mixed ligand bivalent copper complexes [Cu. L. A. ClO4] and [Cu. L. A] where “L” is Schiff bases, namely 2-((3,4-dimethylisoxazol-5-ylimino)methyl)-4-bromophenol (DMIIMBP)/2-((3,4-dimethylisoxazol-5-ylimino)methyl)-4-chlorophenol (DMIIMCP), and “A” is heterocyclic compound, such as 1,10-phenanthroline (phen)/2,21-bipyridyl (bipy)/8-hydroxyquinoline (oxine)/5-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline (5-Cl-oxine), have been synthesized. These complexes have been characterized by IR, UV-Vis, ESR, elemental analysis, magnetic moments, TG, and DTA. On the basis of spectral studies and analytical data, five-coordinated square pyramidal/four-coordinated square planar geometry is assigned to all complexes. The ligands and their ternary complexes with Cu(II) have been screened for antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi by paper disc method. The antimicrobial studies of Schiff bases and their metal complexes showed significant activity and further it is observed that the metal complexes showed more activity than corresponding Schiff bases. In vitro antitumor activity of Cu(II) complexes was assayed against human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cancer cells and it was observed that few complexes exhibit good antitumor activity on HeLa cell lines. The DNA cleavage studies have also been carried out on pBR 322 and it is observed that these Cu(II) complexes are capable of cleaving supercoiled plasmid DNA in the presence of H2O2and UV light.
The Effect of Malrotation of Tibial Component of Total Knee Arthroplasty on Tibial Insert during High Flexion Using a Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Osano Kei , Nagamine Ryuji , Todo Mitsugu , Kawasaki Makoto
Published: May 2014

One of the most common errors of total knee arthroplasty procedure is a malrotation of tibial component. The stress on tibial insert is closely related to polyethylene failure. The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of malrotation of tibial component for the stress on tibial insert during high flexion using a finite element analysis. We used Stryker NRG PS for analysis. Three different initial conditions of tibial component including normal, 15° internal malrotation, and 15° external malrotation were analyzed. The tibial insert made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene was assumed to be elastic-plastic while femoral and tibial metal components were assumed to be rigid. Four nonlinear springs attached to tibial component represented soft tissues around the knee. Vertical load was applied to femoral component which rotated from 0° to 135° while horizontal load along the anterior posterior axis was applied to tibial component during flexion. Maximum equivalent stresses on the surface were analyzed. Internal malrotation caused the highest stress which arose up to 160% of normal position. External malrotation also caused higher stress. Implanting prosthesis in correct position is important for reducing the risk of abnormal wear and failure.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio: Novel Markers for Diagnosis and Prognosis in Patients with Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Seo Young Joon , Jeong Jun hui , Choi Jae Young , Moon In Seok
Published: May 2014

Background.We aim to provide useful evidence about the association of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) and its possibility of emerging as a cheap, reliable, and independent prognostic marker of ISSNHL.Methods.348 patients diagnosed with ISSNHL were included in our retrospective data analysis. Blood samples and the hearing assessments of the patients were carried out. Then, the patients were divided into 2 groups as “recovered” and “unrecovered” according to their response to the treatment.Results.Both mean NLR and PLR values of the ISSNHL patients were significantly higher than the control group (bothP<0.001). The NLR value was5.98±4.22in the unrecovered group and3.50±3.38in the recovered group (P<0.001). After adjustment in a binary logistic regression model, only NLR value was associated with the recovery of ISSNHL (P=0.001).Discussion.We demonstrated for the first time that NLR and PLR values were significantly high in ISSNHL patients. Also the NLR level might be taken into account as a novel potential marker to predict the patients’ prognosis in terms of recovery.
Polynomial and Rational Approximations and the Link between Schröder’s Processes of the First and Second Kind
Authors: Dubeau François
Published: May 2014

We show that Schröder’s processes of the first kind and of the second kind to obtain a simple root of a nonlinear equation are related by polynomial and rational approximations.
Necrotizing Fasciitis and Toxic Shock Syndrome fromClostridium septicumfollowing a Term Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Rimawi B. H. , Graybill W. , Pierce J. Y. , Kohler M. , Eriksson E. A. , Shary M. T. , Crookes B. , Soper D. E.
Published: May 2014

Necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome are life-threatening conditions that can be seen after any surgical procedure. With only 4 previous published case reports in the obstetrics and gynecology literature of these two conditions occurring secondary toClostridium septicum, we describe a case of necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome occurring after a term cesarean delivery caused by this microorganism, requiring aggressive medical and surgical intervention.
Devil’s Vortex Phase Structure as Frequency Plane Mask for Image Encryption Using the Fractional Mellin Transform
Authors: Vashisth Sunanda , Singh Hukum , Yadav A. K. , Singh Kehar
Published: May 2014

A frequency plane phase mask based on Devil’s vortex structure has been used for image encryption using the fractional Mellin transform. The phase key for decryption is obtained by an iterative phase retrieval algorithm. The proposed scheme has been validated for grayscale secret target images, by numerical simulation. The efficacy of the scheme has been evaluated by computing mean-squared-error between the secret target image and the decrypted image. Sensitivity analysis of the decryption process to variations in various encryption parameters has been carried out. The proposed encryption scheme has been seen to exhibit reasonable robustness against occlusion attack.
Fast Hybrid Method for the Study on Monostatic Scattering from Plasma-Coated Target above a Rough Surface
Authors: Wang Rui , Chai Shui-Rong , Guo Li-Xin
Published: May 2014

A fast hybrid method combining the reciprocity theorem with high frequency approximation algorithm is presented to deal with the problem of the monostatic scattering from a two-dimensional (2D) plasma-coated target above a one-dimensional (1D) Gaussian rough surface illuminated by the tapered incident wave. Without numerical solution of the polarization currents on the target and the surface, this hybrid method does not only save computer resources but also improve the computing speed significantly in contrast to the numerical methods. The hybrid method based on equivalent principle and reciprocity theorem, which is an improved and generalized version of the traditional multipath technique, can deal with the interactions between plasma-coated target and underlying surface much more accurately. Numerical results are given to verify the validity of the hybrid method, and then the hybrid method is employed to investigate the monostatic scattering from a plasma-coated airfoil above a Gaussian rough surface, including the effects of several key parameters on stealth performance, such as plasma angular frequency and electron collision frequency.
Fixed Point Theorems for Generalizedα-β-Weakly Contraction Mappings in Metric Spaces and Applications
Authors: Latif Abdul , Mongkolkeha Chirasak , Sintunavarat Wutiphol
Published: May 2014

We extend the notion of generalized weakly contraction mappings due to Choudhury et al. (2011) to generalizedα-β-weakly contraction mappings. We show with examples that our new class of mappings is a real generalization of several known classes of mappings. We also establish fixed point results for such mappings in metric spaces. Applying our new results, we obtain fixed point results on ordinary metric spaces, metric spaces endowed with an arbitrary binary relation, and metric spaces endowed with graph.
Thermal Boundary Layer in Flow due to an Exponentially Stretching Surface with an Exponentially Moving Free Stream
Authors: Bhattacharyya Krishnendu , Layek G. C.
Published: May 2014

A numerical investigation is made to study the thermal boundary layer for flow of incompressible Newtonian fluid over an exponentially stretching sheet with an exponentially moving free stream. The governing partial differential equations are transformed into self-similar ordinary differential equations using similarity transformations in exponential forms. Then those are solved numerically by shooting technique using Runge-Kutta method. The study reveals that the momentum boundary layer thickness for this flow is considerably smaller than the linear stagnation point flow past a linearly stretching sheet. The momentum and thermal boundary layer thicknesses reduce when the velocity ratio parameter increases. For the temperature distribution, in addition to the heat transfer from the sheet, the heat absorption at the sheet also occurs in certain situations and both heat transfer and absorption increase with the velocity ratio parameter and the Prandtl number. The temperature inside the boundary layer significantly decreases with higher values of velocity ratio parameter and the Prandtl number.
Response of Winter Wheat Grain Yield and Phosphorus Uptake to Foliar Phosphite Fertilization
Authors: Ali Muaid S. , Sutradhar Apurba , Edano Ma Lourdes , Edwards Jeffrey T. , Girma Kefyalew
Published: May 2014

One of the major problems that potentially hinders the use of foliar fertilization as a tool to improve nutrient use efficiency is the lack of effective formulations. A phosphite based product, Nutri-phite (3% N, 8.7% P, and 5.8% K) was used as model phosphite formulation for foliar application in winter wheat (Triticum aestivumL). Five field trials were established in the fall of 2009 and 2010 at Perkins, Perry, and Morrison, OK. Treatments encompassed the application of nitrogen (N) at 100 or 75% of crop need and phosphorus at 100 (P 100%) and 80% (P 80%) sufficiency with and without Nutri-phite. Nutri-phite was applied at one and/or two stages of wheat; GS 13 to 14 and GS 49 to 53 at the rate of 433 and 148 g ha−1P and N, respectively. Grain yield was increased by Nutri-phite treatments, especially at Morrison. Grain P concentration of plots treated with two applications of Nutri-phite ranged from 13 to 55% more than the nontreated and standard NP received plots at Perkins in 2009/10 and Perry in 2010/11. Grain P uptake was increased due to application of Nutri-phite at Perkins in 2009/10 and Morrison and Perry in 2010/11. Combined over three year-locations, Nutri-phite increased grain P concentration by 11.6%. The higher grain P concentration of plots treated with Nutri-phite compared to the other treatments clearly demonstrates its potential in improving P status of wheat grain.
Subtracted Transcriptome Profile of Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon) That Survived WSSV Challenge
Authors: Maralit Benedict A. , Ventolero Minerva Fatimae H. , Maningas Mary Beth B. , Amar Edgar C. , Santos Mudjekeewis D.
Published: May 2014

There is increased interest in the development of virus‐resistant or improved shrimp stock because production is currently hindered by outbreaks and limited understanding of shrimp defense. Recent advancement now allows for high‐throughput molecular studies on shrimp immunity. We used next‐generation sequencing (NGS) coupled with suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) to generate a transcriptome database of genes from tiger shrimp that survived White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) challenge. A total of 9,597 unique sequences were uploaded to NCBI Sequence Read Archive with accession number SRR577080. Sixty‐five unique sequences, 6% of the total, were homologous to genes of Penaeus monodon. Genes that were initially related to bacterial infection and environmental stress such as 14‐3‐3 gene, heat shock protein 90, and calreticulin were also found including a few full‐length gene sequences. Initial analysis of the expression of some genes was done. Hemocyanin, ferritin, and fortilin‐binding protein exhibited differential expression between survivor and control tiger shrimps. Furthermore, candidate microsatellite markers for brood stock selection were mined and tested. Four trinucleotide and one dinucleotide microsatellites were successfully amplified. The study highlights the advantage of the NGS platform coupled with SSH in terms of gene discovery and marker generation.
Leaky Vaccines Protect Highly Exposed Recipients at a Lower Rate: Implications for Vaccine Efficacy Estimation and Sieve Analysis
Authors: Edlefsen Paul T.
Published: May 2014

“Leaky” vaccines are those for which vaccine-induced protection reduces infection rates on a per-exposure basis, as opposed to “all-or-none” vaccines, which reduce infection rates to zero for some fraction of subjects, independent of the number of exposures. Leaky vaccines therefore protect subjects with fewer exposures at a higher effective rate than subjects with more exposures. This simple observation has serious implications for analysis methodologies that rely on the assumption that the vaccine effect is homogeneous across subjects. We argue and show through examples that this heterogeneous vaccine effect leads to a violation of the proportional hazards assumption, to incomparability of infected cases across treatment groups, and to nonindependence of the distributions of the competing failure processes in a competing risks setting. We discuss implications for vaccine efficacy estimation, correlates of protection analysis, and mark-specific efficacy analysis (also known as sieve analysis).
Confusion Analysis and Detection for Workflow Nets
Authors: Chen Xiao-liang , Jiang Zhong-yuan , Ye Jian-hong
Published: May 2014

Option processes often occur in a business procedure with respect to resource competition. In a business procedure modeled with a workflow net (WF-net), all decision behavior and option operations for business tasks are modeled and performed by the conflicts in corresponding WF-net. Concurrency in WF-nets is applied to keep a high-performance operation of business procedures. However, the firing of concurrent transitions in a WF-net may lead to the disappearance of conflicts in the WF-net. The phenomenon is usually called confusions that produces difficulties for the resolution of conflicts. This paper investigates confusion detection problems in WF-nets. First, confusions are formalized as a class of marked subnets with special conflicting and concurrent features. Second, a detection approach based on the characteristics of confusion subnets and the integer linear programming (ILP) is developed, which is not required to compute the reachability graph of a WF-net. Examples of the confusion detection in WF-nets are presented. Finally, the impact of confusions on the properties of WF-nets is specified.
Attenuation of Carcinogenesis and the Mechanism Underlying by the Influence of Indole-3-carbinol and Its Metabolite 3,3′-Diindolylmethane: A Therapeutic Marvel
Authors: Maruthanila V. L. , Poornima J. , Mirunalini S.
Published: May 2014

Rising evidence provides credible support towards the potential role of bioactive products derived from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, brussels sprouts, turnips, kohlrabi, bok choy, and radishes. Many epidemiological studies point out thatBrassicavegetable protects humans against cancer since they are rich sources of glucosinolates in addition to possessing a high content of flavonoids, vitamins, and mineral nutrients. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) belongs to the class of compounds called indole glucosinolate, obtained from cruciferous vegetables, and is well-known for tits anticancer properties. In particular, I3C and its dimeric product, 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM), have been generally investigated for their value against a number of human cancersin vitroas well asin vivo. This paper reviews an in-depth study of the anticancer activity and the miscellaneous mechanisms underlying the anticarcinogenicity thereby broadening its therapeutic marvel.
Iatrogenic Cushing Syndrome Secondary to Ritonavir-Epidural Triamcinolone Interaction: An Illustrative Case and Review
Authors: Sadarangani Sapna , Berg Melody L. , Mauck William , Rizza Stacey
Published: May 2014

HIV positive patients on ritonavir-containing antiretroviral therapy (ART) can develop iatrogenic Cushing syndrome (IACS) and adrenal insufficiency as a result of drug-drug interactions with inhaled or intranasal glucocorticoid therapy. Reports related to epidural triamcinolone injections are relatively uncommon but increasingly reported. We describe a 48-year-old woman with immunologically and virologically well-controlled HIV on ritonavir-based ART, who developed headache, dizziness, and candida and herpes simplex virus (HSV) ulcerative esophagitis 7 days after receiving an epidural triamcinolone injection for cervical radicular pain. Iatrogenic Cushing syndrome and relative adrenal insufficiency were suspected and proven. The patient’s ART was changed to a non-HIV protease inhibitor- (PI-) containing program, her symptoms improved, and she did not require hydrocortisone replacement. In this paper, we review the literature on IACS and relative secondary adrenal insufficiency from epidural triamcinolone injections in HIV patients on ritonavir-containing ART regimens. A high index of clinical suspicion is needed for diagnosis. Prevention of drug-drug interactions by taking a thorough medication history for patients on ritonavir-containing ART regimens before prescribing any form of corticosteroid is crucial and effective and sustained interdisciplinary communication in the care of such patients.
Crude Oil Price Forecasting Based on Hybridizing Wavelet Multiple Linear Regression Model, Particle Swarm Optimization Techniques, and Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Shabri Ani , Samsudin Ruhaidah
Published: May 2014

Crude oil prices do play significant role in the global economy and are a key input into option pricing formulas, portfolio allocation, and risk measurement. In this paper, a hybrid model integrating wavelet and multiple linear regressions (MLR) is proposed for crude oil price forecasting. In this model, Mallat wavelet transform is first selected to decompose an original time series into several subseries with different scale. Then, the principal component analysis (PCA) is used in processing subseries data in MLR for crude oil price forecasting. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to adopt the optimal parameters of the MLR model. To assess the effectiveness of this model, daily crude oil market, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), has been used as the case study. Time series prediction capability performance of the WMLR model is compared with the MLR, ARIMA, and GARCH models using various statistics measures. The experimental results show that the proposed model outperforms the individual models in forecasting of the crude oil prices series.
Optimal Location through Distributed Algorithm to Avoid Energy Hole in Mobile Sink WSNs
Authors: Qing-hua Li , Wei-hua Gui , Zhi-gang Chen
Published: May 2014

In multihop data collection sensor network, nodes near the sink need to relay on remote data and, thus, have much faster energy dissipation rate and suffer from premature death. This phenomenon causes energy hole near the sink, seriously damaging the network performance. In this paper, we first compute energy consumption of each node when sink is set at any point in the network through theoretical analysis; then we propose an online distributed algorithm, which can adjust sink position based on the actual energy consumption of each node adaptively to get the actual maximum lifetime. Theoretical analysis and experimental results show that the proposed algorithms significantly improve the lifetime of wireless sensor network. It lowers the network residual energy by more than 30% when it is dead. Moreover, the cost for moving the sink is relatively smaller.
Morphometry Governs the Dynamics of a Drainage Basin: Analysis and Implications
Authors: Biswas Atrayee , Das Majumdar Dipanjan , Banerjee Sayandeep
Published: May 2014

Mountainous rivers are the most significant source of water supply in the Himalayan provinces of India. The drainage basin dynamics of these rivers are controlled by the tectonomorphic parameters, which include both surface and subsurface characteristics of a basin. To understand the drainage basin dynamics and their usefulness in watershed prioritisation and management in terms of soil erosion studies and groundwater potential assessment and flood hazard risk reduction in mountainous rivers, morphometric analysis of a Himalayan River (Supin River) basin has been taken as a case study. The entire Supin River basin has been subdivided into 27 subwatersheds and 36 morphometric parameters have been calculated under four broad categories: drainage network, basin geometry, drainage texture, and relief characteristics, each of which is further grouped into five different clusters having similar morphometric properties. The various morphometric parameters have been correlated with each other to understand their underlying relationship and control over the basin hydrogeomorphology. The result thus generated provides adequate knowledge base required for decision making during strategic planning and delineation of prioritised hazard management zones in mountainous terrains.
New Proofs of Someq-Summation andq-Transformation Formulas
Authors: Liu Xian-Fang , Bi Ya-Qing , Luo Qiu-Ming
Published: May 2014

We obtain an expectation formula and give the probabilistic proofs of some summation and transformation formulas ofq-series based on our expectation formula. Although these formulas in themselves are not the probability results, the proofs given are based on probabilistic concepts.
Serum Copper and Haematological Values of Sheep of Different Physiological Stages in the Dry and Wet Seasons of Central Trinidad
Authors: Mohammed A. , Campbell M. , Youssef F. G.
Published: May 2014

A study was conducted to determine serum copper (Cu) concentrations and hematological values of 174 sheep from four medium sized farms, pertaining to physiological stage, in the late dry and late wet seasons of Central Trinidad. Serum Cu was significantly lower in the dry than in the wet season (P<0.001) with a corresponding high percentage of samples with low Cu levels in the former. 31% of dry nonpregnant sheep exhibited a nonregenerative anaemia. Also, hemoglobin and packed cell volume values varied (P<0.001) including lymphocyte (P<0.01) counts, among growing animals compared with other physiological stages. Significant variations also occurred among neutrophil (P<0.05) and eosinophil (P<0.05) values in sheep. Highest haemoglobin and packed cell volume, white blood cell counts, and lymphocyte values in growing sheep compared with other stages were probably age related.