bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ARITHMETIC OF POTTS MODEL HYPERSURFACES
Authors: MARCOLLI MATILDE , SU JESSICA
Published: December 2012

We consider Potts model hypersurfaces defined by the multivariate Tutte polynomial of graphs (Potts model partition function). We focus on the behavior of the number of points over finite fields for these hypersurfaces, in comparison with the graph hypersurfaces of perturbative quantum field theory defined by the Kirchhoff graph polynomial. We give a very simple example of the failure of the "fibration condition" in the dependence of the Grothendieck class on the number of spin states and of the polynomial countability condition for these Potts model hypersurfaces. We then show that a period computation, formally similar to the parametric Feynman integrals of quantum field theory, arises by considering certain thermodynamic averages. One can show that these evaluate to combinations of multiple zeta values for Potts models on polygon polymer chains, while silicate tetrahedral chains provide a candidate for a possible occurrence of non-mixed Tate periods.
X-ray structure and properties of a cyclo[6]pyrrole[3]thiophene
Authors: Bui Thanh-Tuan , Escande Aude , Philouze Christian , Cioci Gianluca , Ghosh Sudip , Saint-Aman Eric , Lim Jong Min , Moutet Jean-Claude , Sessler Jonathan L. , Kim Dongho , Bucher Christophe
Published: December 2012

A new member of the cyclo[n]pyrrole class of expanded porphyrins was prepared from the corresponding thiophene-containing terpyrrole precursor through use of a mild electrochemical oxidative procedure. The isolated macrocycle, featuring nine heterocyclic subunits directly connected through their α,α′-positions, is the largest cyclo[n]pyrrole derivative reported to date. The structure obtained via synchrotron radiation-based studies revealed a dimeric arrangement involving individual macrocyclic subunits.
THE EFFICACY OF MICROWAVE THERAPY VIA BRONCHOFIBERSCOPE IN THE TREATMENT OF SEVERE TRACHEA STENOSIS
Authors: LIU WEIMIN , DAI LI , LIN YUHUI
Published: December 2012

To evaluate the efficacy of microwave therapy via bronchofiberscope for treatment of severe trachea stenosis. Microwave tissue coagulation (MTC) and diathermy (MD) therapy via bronchofiberscope were performed on 37 patients with severe trachea stenosis diseases at least two times. The effective rate immediately after treatment was 100% in all cases. After one month, the rate remained 100% in the patients with benign diseases, but it dropped to 67% in the patients with malignant tumors. We have demonstrated that the microwave thermotherapy via bronchofiberscope is an effective method to treat patients with benign trachea stenosis noninvasively. For cancer patients with trachea soakage and blockage, it can be performed to improve their life quality by alleviating their agonies.
ELECTRICAL AND DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF C7H12N2[H2PO4]2 ⋅ 1/2H2O
Authors: ELWEJ R. , OUESLATI A. , HLEL F.
Published: December 2012

The electrical and dielectric properties of the compound C7H12N2[H2PO4]2 ⋅ 1/2H2O were investigated by the complex impedance spectroscopy, over a wide range of frequencies and temperatures, 600 Hz–5 MHz and 303–408 K, respectively. Besides, a detailed analysis of the impedance spectrum suggested that the electrical properties of the material at several temperatures and the electrical equivalent circuit have been proposed to explain the impedance results. Concerning the Nyquist plots, they clearly showed the presence of bulk and grain boundary. As for the imaginary part of modulus at several temperatures, it shows double relaxation peaks, thus suggesting the presence of grains and grain boundary conductions in the sample.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF COMPLEX FERROELECTRIC OXIDE
Authors: DAS PIYUSH R. , PARIDA B. N. , PADHEE R. , CHOUDHARY R. N. P.
Published: December 2012

The polycrystalline sample of Li2Pb2Pr2W2Ti4V4O30 was prepared by a solid-state reaction technique. The preparation conditions of the compound have been optimized using thermal analysis (DTA and TGA) technique. Room temperature structural analysis confirms the formation of single phase compound in orthorhombic crystal system. The surface morphology of the sample, recorded by scanning electron microscope, shows uniform grain distribution on the surface of the sample. The observation of hysteresis loop confirmed that the material has ferroelectric properties at room temperature. Electrical properties of the material were studied by complex impedance spectroscopic technique. Temperature dependence of electrical parameters (impedance, modulus, etc.) is strongly correlated to the micro-structural characteristics (bulk, grain boundary, etc.) of the sample. A typical temperature-dependent resistive characteristic of the sample (i.e., negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR)) exhibits its semiconducting properties. The temperature dependence of dc conductivity shows a typical Arrhenius behavior. A signature of ionic conductivity in the system was observed in ac conductivity spectrum. The sample obeys Jonscher's universal power law. The hopping mechanism for electrical transport properties of the system with nonexponential-type conductivity relaxation was suggested from the electrical modulus analysis.
The XRDS Blog
Authors: Richter Wolfgang , Mitropoulos Dimitris
Published: December 2012

The newly launched
XRDS
blog highlights a range of topics from conference overviews to privacy and security, from HCI to cryptography. Selected blog posts, edited for print, will be featured in every issue. Please visit xrds.acm.org/blog to read each post in its entirety.
Seven factors for designing successful mHealth projects
Authors: Garai Atanu
Published: December 2012

Although mobile technology has the power to vastly improve healthcare delivery in developing regions, many issues can affect the success of mHealth systems.
Voices in ICT for development
Authors: Sambasivan Nithya
Published: December 2012

Researchers from around the world tell us about their personal and institutional efforts in international development.
User experience practices in Nairobi's iHub community
Authors: Kamau Mark , Crandall Angela , Awori Kagonya
Published: December 2012

How a forthcoming user experience (UX) lab will meet the needs of the African technology community.
Juno
Authors: Tyson Gareth , Mauthe Andreas , Kaune Sebastian , Grace Paul , Taweel Adel , Plagemann Thomas
Published: December 2012

This article proposes a new delivery-centric abstraction which extends the existing content-centric networking API. A delivery-centric abstraction allows applications to generate content requests agnostic to location or protocol, with the additional ability to stipulate high-level requirements regarding such things as performance, security, and resource consumption. Fulfilling these requirements, however, is complex as often the ability of a provider to satisfy requirements will vary between different consumers and over time. Therefore, we argue that it is vital to manage this variance to ensure an application fulfils its needs. To this end, we present the
Juno
middleware, which implements delivery-centric support using a reconfigurable software architecture to: (i) discover multiple sources of an item of content; (ii) model each source’s ability to provide the content; then (iii) adapt to interact with the source(s) that can best fulfil the application’s requirements. Juno therefore utilizes existing providers in a backwards compatible way, supporting immediate deployment. This article evaluates Juno using Emulab to validate its ability to adapt to its environment.
Using Priced Options to Solve the Exposure Problem in Sequential Auctions
Authors: Robu Valentin , Mous Lonneke , La Poutré Han
Published: December 2012

We propose a priced options model for solving the exposure problem of bidders with valuation synergies participating in a sequence of online auctions. We consider a setting in which complementary-valued items are offered sequentially by different sellers, who have the choice of either selling their item directly or through a priced option. In our model, the seller fixes the exercise price for this option, and then sells it through a first-price auction. We analyze this model from a decision-theoretic perspective and we show, for a setting where the competition is formed by local bidders (which desire a single item), that using options can increase the expected profit for both sides. Furthermore, we derive the equations that provide minimum and maximum bounds between which the bids of the synergy buyer are expected to fall, in order for both sides of the market to have an incentive to use the options mechanism. Next, we perform an experimental analysis of a market in which multiple synergy buyers are active simultaneously. We show that, despite the extra competition, some synergy buyers may benefit, because sellers are forced to set their exercise prices for options at levels which encourage participation of all buyers.
Adaptive Voltage Scaling in a Dynamically Reconfigurable FPGA-Based Platform
Authors: Nabina Atukem , Nunez-Yanez Jose Luis
Published: December 2012

Power is an important issue limiting the applicability of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) since it is considered to be up to one order of magnitude higher than in ASICs. Recently, dynamic reconfiguration in FPGAs has emerged as a viable technique able to achieve power and cost reductions by time-multiplexing the required functionality at runtime. In this article, the applicability of Adaptive Voltage Scaling (AVS) to FPGAs is considered together with dynamic reconfiguration of logic and clock management resources to further improve the power profile of these devices. AVS is a popular power-saving technique in ASICs that enables a device to regulate its own voltage and frequency based on workload, fabrication, and operating conditions. The resulting processing platform exploits the available application-dependent timing margins to achieve a power reduction up to 85% operating at 0.58 volts compared with operating at a nominal voltage of 1 volt. The results also show that the energy requirements at 0.58 volts are aproximately five times lower compared with nominal voltage and this can be explained by the approximate cubic relation of static energy with voltage and the fact that the static component dominates power consumption in the considered FPGA devices.
Reconfigurable Fault Tolerance
Authors: Jacobs Adam , Cieslewski Grzegorz , George Alan D. , Gordon-Ross Ann , Lam Herman
Published: December 2012

Commercial SRAM-based, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) have the potential to provide space applications with the necessary performance to meet next-generation mission requirements. However, mitigating an FPGA’s susceptibility to single-event upset (SEU) radiation is challenging. Triple-modular redundancy (TMR) techniques are traditionally used to mitigate radiation effects, but TMR incurs substantial overheads such as increased area and power requirements. In order to reduce these overheads while still providing sufficient radiation mitigation, we propose a reconfigurable fault tolerance (RFT) framework that enables system designers to dynamically adjust a system’s level of redundancy and fault mitigation based on the varying radiation incurred at different orbital positions. This framework includes an adaptive hardware architecture that leverages FPGA reconfigurable techniques to enable significant processing to be performed efficiently and reliably when environmental factors permit. To accurately estimate upset rates, we propose an upset rate modeling tool that captures time-varying radiation effects for arbitrary satellite orbits using a collection of existing, publically available tools and models. We perform fault-injection testing on a prototype RFT platform to validate the RFT architecture and RFT performability models. We combine our RFT hardware architecture and the modeled upset rates using phased-mission Markov modeling to estimate performability gains achievable using our framework for two case-study orbits.
Phytase, a New Life for an “Old” Enzyme
Authors: Lei Xin Gen , Weaver Jeremy D. , Mullaney Edward , Ullah Abul H. , Azain Michael J.
Published: December 2012

Phytases are phosphohydrolytic enzymes that initiate stepwise removal of phosphate from phytate. Simple-stomached species such as swine, poultry, and fish require extrinsic phytase to digest phytate, the major form of phosphorus in plant-based feeds. Consequently, this enzyme is supplemented in these species’ diets to decrease their phosphorus excretion, and it has emerged as one of the most effective and lucrative feed additives. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of the evolving course of phytase science and technology. It gives realistic estimates of the versatile roles of phytase in animal feeding, environmental protection, rock phosphorus preservation, human nutrition and health, and industrial applications. It elaborates on new biotechnology and existing issues related to developing novel microbial phytases as well as phytase-transgenic plants and animals. And it targets critical and integrated analyses on the global impact, novel application, and future demand of phytase in promoting animal agriculture, human health, and societal sustainability.
After 65 Years, Research Is Still Fun
Authors: Hansel William
Published: December 2012

In 1946, at the end of World War II, I entered graduate school at Cornell University, where I remained for 44 years. During that time, my laboratory produced more than 300 publications in the field of reproductive biology, including studies on nutrition and reproduction, the role of the hypothalamus in pituitary gonadotropin release, corpus luteum formation and function, hormone assays, and estrous cycle synchronization. At age seventy, I retired from Cornell and accepted the Gordon Cain Endowed Professorship at Louisiana State University, where I continued my work on the bovine corpus luteum and added research on the collection, maturation, in vitro fertilization, and culture of bovine oocytes. In 1994, I moved to the Pennington Biomedical Research Center and soon thereafter started the research that led to development of the lytic peptide–gonadotropin conjugates, which target and destroy cancer cell membranes. I am continuing my work on the development of targeted cancer cell drugs and, yes, research is still fun!
The Role of Productivity in Improving the Environmental Sustainability of Ruminant Production Systems
Authors: Capper Judith L. , Bauman Dale E.
Published: December 2012

The global livestock industry is charged with providing sufficient animal source foods to supply the global population while improving the environmental sustainability of animal production. Improved productivity within dairy and beef systems has demonstrably reduced resource use and greenhouse gas emissions per unit of food over the past century through the dilution of maintenance effect. Further environmental mitigation effects have been gained through the current use of technologies and practices that enhance milk yield or growth in ruminants; however, the social acceptability of continued intensification and use of productivity-enhancing technologies is subject to debate. As the environmental impact of food production continues to be a significant issue for all stakeholders within the field, further research is needed to ensure that comparisons among foods are made based on both environmental impact and nutritive value to truly assess the sustainability of ruminant products.
Bacteriophages in Food Fermentations: New Frontiers in a Continuous Arms Race
Authors: Samson Julie E. , Moineau Sylvain
Published: December 2012

Phage contamination represents an important risk to any process requiring bacterial growth, particularly in the biotechnology and food industries. The presence of unwanted phages may lead to manufacturing delays, lower quality product, or, in the worst cases, total production loss. Thus, constant phage monitoring and stringent application of the appropriate control measures are indispensable. In fact, a systematic preventive approach to phage contamination [phage analysis and critical control points (PACCP)] should be put in place. In this review, sources of phage contamination and novel phage detection methods are described, with an emphasis on bacterial viruses that infect lactic acid bacteria used in food fermentations. Recent discoveries related to antiphage systems that are changing our views on phage-host interactions are highlighted. Finally, future directions are also discussed.
Modeling Electromechanical Overcurrent Relays Using Singular Value Decomposition
Authors: Wu Feng-Jih , Chou Chih-Ju , Lu Ying , Chung Jarm-Long
Published: December 2012

This paper presents a practical and effective novel approach to curve fit electromechanical (EM) overcurrent (OC) relay characteristics. Based on singular value decomposition (SVD), the curves are fitted with equation in state space under modal coordinates. The relationships between transfer function and Markov parameters are adopted in this research to represent the characteristic curves of EM OC relays. This study applies the proposed method to two EM OC relays: the GE IAC51 relay with moderately inverse‐time characteristic and the ABB CO‐8 relay with inverse‐time characteristic. The maximum absolute values of errors of hundreds of sample points taken from four time dial settings (TDS) for each relay between the actual characteristic curves and the corresponding values from the curve‐fitting equations are within the range of 10 milliseconds. Finally, this study compares the SVD with the adaptive network and fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to demonstrate its accuracy and identification robustness.
Modeling Small Scale Solar Powered ORC Unit for Standalone Application
Authors: Bocci Enrico , Villarini Mauro , Bove Luca , Esposto Stefano , Gasperini Valerio
Published: December 2012

When the electricity from the grid is not available, the generation of electricity in remote areas is an essential challenge to satisfy important needs. In many developing countries the power generation from Diesel engines is the applied technical solution. However the cost and supply of fuel make a strong dependency of the communities on the external support. Alternatives to fuel combustion can be found in photovoltaic generators, and, with suitable conditions, small wind turbines or microhydroplants. The aim of the paper is to simulate the power generation of a generating unit using the Rankine Cycle and using refrigerant R245fa as a working fluid. The generation unit has thermal solar panels as heat source and photovoltaic modules for the needs of the auxiliary items (pumps, electronics, etc.). The paper illustrates the modeling of the system using TRNSYS platform, highlighting standard and “ad hoc” developed components as well as the global system efficiency. In the future the results of the simulation will be compared with the data collected from the 3 kW prototype under construction in the Tuscia University in Italy.
Grover's Disease after Heart Transplantation: A Case Report
Authors: Ippoliti Giovanbattista , Paulli Marco , Lucioni Marco , D'Armini Andrea Maria , Lauriola Marinella , Mahrous Haleem Saaleb Rany
Published: December 2012

Grover's disease is a transient acantholytic dermatosis of unknown cause, manifesting clinically as a papular skin eruption that is usually located on the anterior chest and abdomen. Histologically characterized by an acantholytic pattern, it has been associated with numerous disorders, including hematologic malignancies, chronic renal failure, and HIV infection, as well as with chemotherapy and bone marrow and/or kidney transplant. Evaluation of followup and treatment is often complicated by spontaneous remission and the occasionally fluctuant course of the disease. Here we report the case of a patient with sudden onset of Grover's disease after heart transplantation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first observation of Grover's disease as diagnosed after heart transplantation.
Study on Optimization of Night Illumination in Expressway Long Tunnels
Authors: Zhao Weihua , Chen Hao , Yu Qiang , Liu Haoxue
Published: December 2012

Night illumination of expressway long tunnels in China was far from drivers’ demand and caused lots of traffic accidents and electricity wasting. In order to solve this problem, reasonable night luminosity in expressway long tunnels in China was studied. Based on a visual disturbance generation mechanism, the mistakes in night illumination of Chinese expressway long tunnels were analyzed. Real road experiments were conducted and fuzzy assessments were used to establish models. The results showed that night luminosity was too high and should be controlled below 9 Lx. In the entrance segment, the luminosity should be gradually increased from 0 Lx to 9 Lx. In the middle segment, the luminosity should be remained at 9 Lx. In the exit segment, the luminosity should be gradually decreased to 0 Lx. The optimized luminosity is highly consistent with the actual demand of drivers. Traffic safety was improved and electricity consumption was reduced.
A Positivity‐Preserving Numerical Scheme for Nonlinear Option Pricing Models
Authors: Zhou Shengwu , Li Wei , Wei Yu , Wen Cui
Published: December 2012

A positivity‐preserving numerical method for nonlinear Black‐Scholes models is developed in this paper. The numerical method is based on a nonstandard approximation of the second partial derivative. The scheme is not only unconditionally stable and positive, but also allows us to solve the discrete equation explicitly. Monotone properties are studied in order to avoid unwanted oscillations of the numerical solution. The numerical results for European put option and European butterfly spread are compared to the standard finite difference scheme. It turns out that the proposed scheme is efficient and reliable.
Adaptive Parameters for a Modified Comprehensive Learning Particle Swarm Optimizer
Authors: Zheng Yu-Jun , Ling Hai-Feng , Guan Qiu
Published: December 2012

Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is a stochastic optimization method sensitive to parameter settings. The paper presents a modification on the comprehensive learning particle swarm optimizer (CLPSO), which is one of the best performing PSO algorithms. The proposed method introduces a self‐adaptive mechanism that dynamically changes the values of key parameters including inertia weight and acceleration coefficient based on evolutionary information of individual particles and the swarm during the search. Numerical experiments demonstrate that our approach with adaptive parameters can provide comparable improvement in performance of solving global optimization problems.
Metronidazole-Induced Encephalopathy in a Patient with End-Stage Liver Disease
Authors: Knorr John P. , Javed Imran , Sahni Neha , Cankurtaran Ceylan Z. , Ortiz Jorge A.
Published: December 2012

Purpose. Metronidazole-induced encephalopathy (MIE) has been rarely reported. We report a case in a patient with end-stage liver disease (ESLD).Summary. A 63-year-old male with ESLD secondary to hepatitis C virus presented with progressively worsening fatigue, slurred speech, aphasia, vomiting, and left-sided facial droop after completing a 2-week course of metronidazole for recurrentClostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. He completed a previous course of metronidazole 3 weeks prior to presentation. He is on the liver transplant waiting list and has known hepatic encephalopathy. MRI revealed hyperintense T2 signals involving the bilateral dentate nuclei, inferior colliculi and splenium of the corpus callosum, and increased diffusion restriction at the splenium of the corpus callosum. His neurological function improved over the next several days. He underwent liver transplantation 6 days after admission. A follow-up MRI 6 weeks after presentation revealed resolution of abnormalities; however, paresthesias persisted 6 months after MIE diagnosis.Conclusion. An ESLD patient with hepatic encephalopathy developed MIE after a relatively short course of metronidazole. Metronidazole has been shown to accumulate in patients with ESLD. Increased awareness for neurotoxicity when using metronidazole in ESLD patients is warranted, especially in those with potentially confounding hepatic encephalopathy.
Mobility and Active Ageing in Suburban Environments: Findings from In-Depth Interviews and Person-Based GPS Tracking
Authors: Zeitler Elisabeth , Buys Laurie , Aird Rosemary , Miller Evonne
Published: December 2012

Background. Governments face a significant challenge to ensure that community environments meet the mobility needs of an ageing population. Therefore, it is critical to investigate the effect of suburban environments on the choice of transportation and its relation to participation and active ageing.Objective. This research explores if and how suburban environments impact older people's mobility and their use of different modes of transport.Methods. Data derived from GPS tracking, travel diaries, brief questionnaires, and semistructured interviews were gathered from thirteen people aged from 56 to 87 years, living in low-density suburban environments in Brisbane, Australia.Results. The suburban environment influenced the choice of transportation and out-of-home mobility. Both walkability and public transportation (access and usability) impact older people's transportation choices. Impracticality of active and public transportation within suburban environments creates car dependency in older age.Conclusion. Suburban environments often create barriers to mobility, which impedes older people's engagement in their wider community and ability to actively age in place. Further research is needed to develop approaches towards age-friendly suburban environments which will encourage older people to remain active and engaged in older age.
The Effect of Time Delay on Dynamical Behavior in an Ecoepidemiological Model
Authors: Xu Changjin , Wu Yusen
Published: December 2012

A delayed predator‐prey model with disease in the prey is investigated. The conditions for the local stability and the existence of Hopf bifurcation at the positive equilibrium of the system are derived. The effect of the two different time delays on the dynamical behavior has been given. Numerical simulations are performed to illustrate the theoretical analysis. Finally, the main conclusions are drawn.
Current Concepts on Gastric Carcinoid Tumors
Authors: Nikou George C. , Angelopoulos Theodoros P.
Published: December 2012

Gastric carcinoid tumors (GCs) are rare lesions representing less than 10% of carcinoid tumors and less than 1% of all stomach neoplasms. There are three distinct types of gastric carcinoids; type I includes the vast majority (70–85%) of these neoplasms that are closely linked to chronic atrophic gastritis. Type II which accounts for 5–10 %, is associated with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and often occurs in the context of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. Type III, finally, represents 15–25% of gastric carcinoids and is characterized by a far more aggressive course. The optimal clinical approach to GCs remains to be elucidated, depending upon type, size, and number of carcinoids. While there is universal agreement about the surgical treatment of type III GCs, current options for type I and II include simple surveillance, endoscopic polypectomy, surgical excision associated with or without surgical antrectomy, or total gastrectomy. Moreover, the introduction of somatostatin analogues could represent another therapeutic option.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Anti-hyperglycemic Activity of FractionatedMomordica charantiaSeed Extract in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Choudhary Shailesh Kumar , Chhabra Gagan , Sharma Dipali , Vashishta Aruna , Ohri Sujata , Dixit Aparna
Published: December 2012

The present study evaluates anti-hyperglycemic activity of fractionatedMomordica charantia(bitter gourd) seed extracts. Fasting blood glucose levels were evaluated before and after administration of different fractions of the seed extract. Among the three fractions tested, fraction Mc-3 (15 mg/kg b.wt.) showed the maximum anti-hyperglycemic activity and reduced blood glucose levels in experimental diabetic rats significantly. The activities of the key regulatory enzymes of glucose metabolism (hexokinase, pyruvate kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) were determined in Mc-3-treated diabetic animals. Once-daily administration of the fraction Mc-3 for prolonged period of 18 days to the experimental diabetic animals did not result in any nephrotoxicity or hepatotoxicity as evident from insignificant changes in biochemical parameters indicative of liver and kidney functions. Further fractionation of the fraction Mc-3 by size exclusion chromatography resulted in a fraction, designated Mc-3.2, possessing anti-hyperglycemic activity. The fraction Mc-3.2 showed the presence of a predominant protein band of ~11 kDa on SDS-PAGE. Loss in anti-hyperglycemic activity of the Mc-3.2 upon protease treatment indicates the proteinaceous nature of the anti-hyperglycemic principles. Overall, the results suggest thatMomordica charantiaseeds contain an effective anti-hyperglycemic protein(s) which may find application in treatment of diabetes without evident toxic effects.
Optimized Solar Energy Power Supply for Remote Wireless Sensors Based on IEEE 802.15.4 Standard
Authors: Krejcar Ondrej , Mahdal Miroslav
Published: December 2012

Powering of intelligent wireless sensors without a permanent electric connection is a general problem which is often solved by adopting alternative power sources. One of the most commonly used sources is solar energy in the form of solar panel and charging circuits. However, it is not possible to find a solution in the markets for operation in changeable weather conditions, where sun intensity is not so high. This fact leads us to the development of optimized solar panel and all circuits for reliable power supply of wireless sensors. A special charging circuit for Li-ION battery and DC-DC adapter circuit for stabilization of wireless sensor working voltage were developed and optimized for very low energy consumption and high efficiency.
Accuracy of Self-Reported Breast Cancer Information among Women from the Ontario Site of the Breast Cancer Family Registry
Authors: Barisic Andriana , Glendon Gord , Weerasooriya Nayana , Andrulis Irene L. , Knight Julia A.
Published: December 2012

Obtaining complete medical record information can be challenging and expensive in breast cancer studies. The current literature is limited with respect to the accuracy of self-report and factors that may influence this. We assessed the agreement between self-reported and medical record breast cancer information among women from the Ontario site of the Breast Cancer Family Registry. Women aged 20–69 years diagnosed with incident breast cancer 1996–1998 were identified from the Ontario Cancer Registry, sampled on age and family history. We calculated kappa statistics, proportion correct, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values and conducted unconditional logistic regression to examine whether characteristics of the women influenced agreement. The proportions of women who correctly reported having received a broad category of therapy (hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery) as well as sensitivity and specificity were above 90%, and the kappa statistics were above 0.80. The specific type of hormonal or chemotherapy was reported with low-to-moderate agreement. Aside from recurrence, no factors were consistently associated with agreement. Thus, most women were able to accurately report broad categories of treatment but not necessarily specific treatment types. The finding of this study can aid researchers in the use and design of self-administered treatment questionnaires.
An Alternative Therapy for Recurrent Stasis Ulcers in Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Venocuff
Authors: Yavuz Celal , Demirtas Sinan , Guclu Orkut , Karahan Oguz , Yazici Suleyman , Caliskan Ahmet , Mavitas Binali
Published: December 2012

Chronic venous insufficiency may cause stasis ulcers that significantly impact on the quality of life. Many methods have been described for preventing or treating these ulcers. However, stasis ulcers often recur as a result of continuing venous insufficiency. Here we report a 30-year-old male patient with chronic venous insufficiency. He was admitted to the hospital owing to recurrent stasis ulcers. He had a history of various flavonoid drug usage and compression therapies over the previous six years. Venous Doppler sonography revealed combined saphenofemoral and deep femoral venous insufficiency. Venocuff was applied to the prejunctional and postjunctional parts of the femoral vein and the saphenofemoral junction. The patient was discharged on the postoperative second day, and a low-molecular-weight heparin dressing composed of calcium alginate was applied to the ulcer wound for one week after the operation. The stasis ulcer wound was totally healed after one month. The patient was followed up six months after the operation, and no postoperative complications or new ulceration was observed. Recurrent stasis ulcers are major reasons for hospitalization in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. Venocuff application for reducing venous insufficiency may be a good option for adjunctive ulcer therapy and for preventing recurrences of the problem.
Exact Solutions of ϕ4 Equation Using Lie Symmetry Approach along with the Simplest Equation and Exp‐Function Methods
Authors: Jafari Hossein , Kadkhoda Nematollah , Khalique Chaudry Masood
Published: December 2012

This paper obtains the exact solutions of the ϕ4 equation. The Lie symmetry approach along with the simplest equation method and the Exp‐function method are used to obtain these solutions. As a simplest equation we have used the equation of Riccati in the simplest equation method. Exact solutions obtained are travelling wave solutions.
Myocarditis Associated with Influenza A H1N1pdm2009
Authors: Ukimura Akira , Satomi Hidetoshi , Ooi Yukimasa , Kanzaki Yumiko
Published: December 2012

Acute myocarditis is a well-known complication of influenza infection. The frequency of myocardial involvement in influenza infection varies widely, with the clinical severity ranging from asymptomatic to fulminant varieties. The worst cases can result in death due to impaired cardiac function, although such fulminant myocarditis associated with influenza infection is rare, as shown by previous papers. Following the 2009 influenza pandemic, we reported on the clinical features of a cohort of 15 patients in Japan with H1N1pdm2009 myocarditis. In our subsequent survey of the literature for case reports or series of patients with myocarditis associated with H1N1pdm2009, we identified 58 detailed cases. We discuss here the high prevalence of fulminant myocarditis (36/58, 62%) among patients reported to have myocarditis associated with H1N1pdm2009. Mechanical circulatory support was required in 17 of the patients with fulminant myocarditis, 13 of whom recovered. We stress the need for increased awareness of influenza-associated myocarditis; such knowledge will facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment of this fatal complication during future influenza pandemics.
DII‐Based Linear Feedback Control Design for Practical Synchronization of Chaotic Systems with Uncertain Input Nonlinearity and Application to Secure Communication
Authors: Sun Yeong-Jeu
Published: December 2012

The concept of practical synchronization is introduced and the chaos synchronization of master‐slave chaotic systems with uncertain input nonlinearities is investigated. Based on the differential and integral inequalities (DII) approach, a simple linear control is proposed to realize practical synchronization for master‐slave chaotic systems with uncertain input nonlinearities. Besides, the guaranteed exponential convergence rate can be prespecified. Applications of proposed master‐slave chaotic synchronization technique to secure communication as well as several numerical simulations are given to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the obtained result.
Low‐Speed Control of Heavy‐Load Transfer Robot with Long Telescopic Boom Based on Stribeck Friction Model
Authors: You Bo , Qiao Ming , Xu Jiazhong , Liu Dan
Published: December 2012

The severe low‐speed creep phenomenon occurs in the telescopic boom system of a heavy‐load transfer robot with a long telescopic boom as a result of nonlinear friction. In order to improve control precision and operation performance at low speeds, we built a three‐loop control nonlinear model of an AC servo motor with Stribeck friction disturbance. Traditional proportional‐integral‐derivative controller (PID) and fuzzy PID controls were, respectively, adopted in the position loop, and the control performance was simulated. The results showed that a system with fuzzy PID control eliminates “flat top” position tracking and “dead zone” speed tracking, which are generated by traditional PID, and thereby decreases the effect of friction on the performance of the servo system. This elimination also improved the tracking accuracy and robustness of the system.
Mixed Convection Boundary Layer Flow towards a Vertical Plate with a Convective Surface Boundary Condition
Authors: Aman Fazlina , Ishak Anuar
Published: December 2012

The steady mixed convection flow towards an impermeable vertical plate with a convective surface boundary condition is investigated. The governing partial differential equations are first reduced to ordinary differential equations using a similarity transformation, before being solved numerically. The features of the flow and heat transfer characteristics for different values of the governing parameters are analyzed and discussed. Both assisting and opposing flows are considered. The results indicate that dual solutions exist for the opposing flow, whereas for the assisting flow, the solution is unique. Moreover, increasing the convective parameter is to increase the skin friction coefficient and the heat transfer rate at the surface.
Impact of Global Normalization in fMRI Acupuncture Studies
Authors: Sun Jinbo , Qin Wei , Jin Lingmin , Dong Minghao , Yang Xuejuan , Zhu Yuanqiang , Yang Yang , von Deneen Karen M. , Gong Qiyong , Tian Jie
Published: December 2012

Global normalization is often used as a preprocessing step for dispelling the “nuisance effects.” However, it has been shown in cognitive and emotion tasks that this preprocessing step might greatly distort statistical results when the orthogonality assumption of global normalization is violated. The present study examines this issue in fMRI acupuncture studies. Thirty healthy subjects were recruited to evaluate the impacts of the global normalization on the BOLD responses evoked by acupuncture stimulation duringDe-qisensation and tactile stimulation during nonpainful sensations. To this end, we compared results by conducting global normalization (PSGS) and not conducting global normalization (NO PSGS) based on a proportional scaling model. The orthogonality assumption of global normalization was violated, and significant changes between BOLD responses for NO PSGS and PSGS were shown in most subjects. Extensive deactivations of acupuncture in fMRI were the non-specifically pernicious consequences of global normalization. The central responses of acupuncture duringDe-qiare non-specifically activation-dominant at the somatosensory-related brain network, whose statistical power is specifically enhanced by PSGS. In conclusion, PSGS should be unjustified for acupuncture studies in fMRI. The differences including the global normalization or not may partly contribute to conflicting results and interpretations in previous fMRI acupuncture studies.
Optimal Placement of Passive Energy Dissipation Devices by Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Qu Ji-ting , Li Hong-nan
Published: December 2012

A mathematical model is proposed in this paper for locating optimal positions for passive energy dissipative dampers. Three control indices of structural responses with the storey‐drift angle, storey displacement, and acceleration are taken in this model. Firstly, six combination modes of these indices are presented. On the premise that the number of dampers is fixed, this paper deals with the optimal placement of two types of passive dampers for several building models with different number of storeys and seismic ground motions at four types of sites using genetic algorithm. Secondly, two estimating indices are presented to assess the reasonable combination mode of coefficients under different conditions, which can generally express the best response control. Numerical examples are illustrated to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed mathematical model. At last, several significant conclusions are given based on numerical results.
Simulation Study of Sensitivity Performance of MEMS Capacitive Bending Strain Sensor for Spinal Fusion Monitoring
Authors: Abdul Mokti Muhammad Irsyad , Abd Rahim Inzarulfaisham
Published: December 2012

This study evaluates the sensitivity of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) capacitive bending strain sensor with a double layer cantilever designed to meet the requirements of spinal fusion monitoring. The cantilever structure of the sensor consists of two parallel substrate plates which constitute the electrodes, attached to an anchor made of silicon dioxide. The sensor was able to monitor bending strain value ranging from 0 to 1000 με. In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the sensor, parametric study was carried out by varying electrode gap, anchor length, and dielectric coverage between the electrodes. The nominal capacitive strain sensor for various applications has sensitivity ranging from 255 aF/μεto 0.0225 pF/με. An increase in the sensitivity was observed on reducing the electrode gap and the anchor length and increasing the dielectric coverage, resulting in a highest sensitivity value of 0.2513 pF/με. It was also observed that dielectric constant has a significant effect on the sensitivity behavior of the sensor.
The Immunosuppressive Activity of Heat Shock Protein 70
Authors: Stocki Pawel , Dickinson Anne M.
Published: December 2012

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) has previously been described as a potent antitumour vaccine. The mechanism relied on the ability of tumour derived HSP70 to associate with antigenic peptides, which, when cross presented, elicited a T cell mediated antitumour response. Subsequently, HSP70 was incorrectly described as a potent adjuvant of innate immunity, and although mistakes in the experimental approaches were exposed and associated with endotoxin contamination in the recombinant HSP70 specimen, questions still remain regarding this matter. Here we review only publications that have cautiously addressed the endotoxin contamination problem in HSP70 in order to reveal the real immunological function of the protein. Accordingly, “endotoxin free” HSP70 stimulates macrophages and delivers antigenic peptides to APCs, which effectively prime T cells mediating an antitumour reaction. Conversely, HSP70 has potent anti-inflammatory functions as follows: regulating T cell responses, reducing stimulatory capacity of DCs, and inducing development of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells. These activities were further associated with the immune evasive mechanism of tumours and implicated in the modulation of immune reactivity in autoimmune diseases and transplant-related clinical conditions. Consequently, the role of HSP70 in immune regulation is newly emerging and contrary to what was previously anticipated.
On 1/f Noise
Authors: Li Ming , Zhao Wei
Published: December 2012

Due to the fact that 1/f noise gains the increasing interests in the field of biomedical signal processing and living systems, we present this introductive survey that may suffice to exhibit the elementary and the particularities of 1/f noise in comparison with conventional random functions. Three theorems are given for highlighting the particularities of 1/f noise. The first says that a random function with long‐range dependence (LRD) is a 1/f noise. The secondindicates that a heavy‐tailed random function is in the class of 1/f noise. The third provides a type of stochastic differential equations that produce 1/f noise.
Drug-Eluting Stents in Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease: Cost Effectiveness and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Panchal Kanaiya , Patel Snehal , Bhatt Parloop
Published: December 2012

Multivessel coronary artery disease is more often treated either with coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stenting. The advent of drug-eluting stent (DES) has changed the revascularization strategy, and caused an increase in the use of DES in multivessel disease (MVD), with reduced rate of repeat revascularization compared to conventional bare metal stent. The comparative studies of DES-PCI over CABG have shown comparable safety; however, the rate of major adverse cerebrovascular and cardiac events and repeat revascularization was significantly higher with DES-PCI at long term. In diabetic patients with MVD, concern of repeat revascularization with DES-PCI is persistent. More recent, one-year economic outcomes have reported that the CABG is favored among patients with high angiographic complexity. The higher rate of repeat revascularization with DES-PCI in MVD would lead to increased economic burden on patient at long term besides bearing high cost of DES. In diabetic MVD patients, CABG is associated with having better clinical outcomes and being more cost-effective approach when compared to DES-PCI at long term.
Iron Oxide Arrays Prepared from Ferrocene- and Silsesquioxane-Containing Block Copolymers
Authors: Goseki Raita , Hirai Tomoyasu , Kakimoto Masa-aki , Hayakawa Teruaki
Published: December 2012

Arrays of iron oxides as precursors of iron clusters were prepared by oxygen plasma treatment of block copolymer microphase-separated nanostructures in thin films. Block copolymers composed of ferrocene-containing and silsesquioxane-containing polymethacrylate (PMAPOSS-b-PMAHFC) were successfully prepared, with different molecular weights and compositions and narrow molecular weight distributions, by living anionic polymerization. The formed microphase-separated nanostructures in the bulk were characterized by wide- and small-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS and SAXS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thin films were prepared from a solution of PMAPOSS-b-PMAHFC in tetrahydrofuran by spin coating onto silicon wafers. Fingerprint-type line nanostructures were formed in the PMAPOSS-b-PMAHFCs thin films after solvent annealing with carbon disulfide. Oxygen plasma treatment provided the final line arrays of iron oxides based on the formed nanostructural patterns.