bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pullback Exponential Attractor for Second Order Nonautonomous Lattice System
Authors: Zhou Shengfan , Chen Hong , Wang Zhaojuan
Published: April 2014

We first present some sufficient conditions for the existence of a pullback exponential attractor for continuous process on the product space of the weighted spaces of infinite sequences. Then we prove the existence and continuity of a pullback exponential attractor for second order lattice system with time-dependent coupled coefficients in the weighted space of infinite sequences. Moreover, we obtain the upper bound of fractal dimension and attracting rate for the attractor.
A Promoter Region Polymorphism inPDCD-1Gene Is Associated with Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Han Chinese Population of Southeastern China
Authors: Liu CuiPing , Jiang JueAn , Gao Li , Hu XiaoHan , Wang FengMing , Shen Yu , Yu GeHua , Zhao ZuoTao , Zhang XueGuang
Published: April 2014

Objective. Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) induces negative signals to T cells during interaction with its ligands and is therefore a candidate gene in the development of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Herein, we investigate the association ofPDCD-1polymorphisms with the risk of RA among Chinese patients and healthy controls.Methods. Using the PCR-direct sequencing analysis, 4PDCD-1SNPs (rs36084323, rs11568821, rs2227982, and rs2227981) were genotyped in 320 RA patients and 309 matched healthy controls. Expression of PD-1 was determined in peripheral blood lymphocytes by flow cytometry and quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.Results. We observed that the GG genotype of rs36084323 was associated with a increased risk for developing RA (OR 1.70, 95% 1.11–2.61,P=0.049). Patients carrying G/G genotype displayed an increased mRNA level of PD-1(P=0.04)compared with A/A genotype and healthy controls. Meanwhile, patients homozygous for rs36084323 had induced basal PD-1 expression on activated CD4+ T cells.Conclusion. ThePDCD-1polymorphism rs36084323 was significantly associated with RA risk in Han Chinese population. This SNP, which effectively influenced the expression of PD-1, may be a biomarker of early diagnosis of RA and a suitable indicator of utilizing PD-1 inhibitor for treatment of RA.
On a Pointwise Convergence of Quasi-Periodic-Rational Trigonometric Interpolation
Authors: Poghosyan Arnak , Poghosyan Lusine
Published: April 2014

We introduce a procedure for convergence acceleration of the quasi-periodic trigonometric interpolation by application of rational corrections which leads to quasi-periodic-rational
trigonometric interpolation. Rational corrections contain unknown parameters whose determination is important for realization of interpolation. We investigate the pointwise convergence
of the resultant interpolation for special choice of the unknown parameters and derive the exact
constants of the main terms of asymptotic errors.
Globalμ-Stability of Complex-Valued Neural Networks with Unbounded Time-Varying Delays
Authors: Chen Xiaofeng , Song Qiankun , Liu Xiaohui , Zhao Zhenjiang
Published: April 2014

The complex-valued neural networks with unbounded time-varying delays are considered. By constructing appropriate Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals, and employing the free weighting matrix method, several delay-dependent criteria for checking the globalμ-stability of the addressed complex-valued neural networks are established in linear matrix inequality (LMI), which can be checked numerically using the effective LMI toolbox in MATLAB. Two examples with simulations are given to show the effectiveness and less conservatism of the proposed criteria.
Local Strain Rate and Curvature Dependences of Scalar Dissipation Rate Transport in Turbulent Premixed Flames: A Direct Numerical Simulation Analysis
Authors: Gao Y. , Chakraborty N. , Swaminathan N.
Published: April 2014

The statistical behaviours of the instantaneous scalar dissipation rateNcof reaction progress variablecin turbulent premixed flames have been analysed based on three-dimensional direct numerical simulation data of freely propagating statistically planar flame and V-flame configurations with different turbulent Reynolds numberRet. The statistical behaviours ofNcand different terms of its transport equation for planar and V-flames are found to be qualitatively similar. The mean contribution of the density-variation termT1is positive, whereas the molecular dissipation term(-D2)acts as a leading order sink. The mean contribution of the strain rate termT2is predominantly negative for the cases considered here. The mean reaction rate contributionT3is positive (negative) towards the unburned (burned) gas side of the flame, whereas the mean contribution of the diffusivity gradient term(D)assumes negative (positive) values towards the unburned (burned) gas side. The local statistical behaviours ofNc,T1,T2,T3,(-D2), andf(D)have been analysed in terms of their marginal probability density functions (pdfs) and their joint pdfs with local tangential strain rateaTand curvaturekm. Detailed physical explanations have been provided for the observed behaviour.
A Dual‐Functional [SBA‐15/Fe3O4/P(N‐iPAAm)] Hybrid System as a Potential Nanoplatform for Biomedical Application
Authors: de Sousa Andreza , de Souza Karynne Cristina , da Silva Leite Paula Maria , de Sousa Ricardo Geraldo , de Sousa Edésia Martins Barros
Published: April 2014

The synthesis strategy of a multifunctional system of [SBA‐15/Fe3O4/P(N‐iPAAm)] hybrids of interest for bioapplications was explored. Magnetite nanoparticles coated by mesoporous silica were prepared by an alternative chemical route using neutral surfactant and without the application of any functionalization method. Monomer adsorption followed by in situ polymerization initiated by a radical was the adopted procedure to incorporate the hydrogel into the pore channels of silica nanocomposite. Characterization of the materials was carried out by using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), N2 adsorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Temperature programmed reduction studies (TPR). Their application as drug delivery system using atenolol as a model drug to assess the influence of the application of low frequency alternating magnetic fields on drug release was evaluated. The structural characteristics of the magnetic hybrid nanocomposite, including the effect of the swelling behavior on heating by the application of an alternating magnetic field, are presented and discussed.
Travelling Wave Solutions of Nonlinear Dynamical Equations in a Double-Chain Model of DNA
Authors: Ouyang Zheng-yong , Zheng Shan
Published: April 2014

We consider the nonlinear dynamics in a double-chain model of DNA which consists of two long elastic homogeneous strands connected with each other by an elastic membrane. By using the method of dynamical systems, the bounded traveling wave solutions such as bell-shaped solitary waves and periodic waves for the coupled nonlinear dynamical equations of DNA model are obtained and simulated numerically. For the same wave speed, bell-shaped solitary waves of different heights are found to coexist.
Estimation of State of Charge for Lithium-Ion Battery Based on Finite Difference Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Cheng Ze , Lv Jikao , Liu Yanli , Yan Zhihao
Published: April 2014

An accurate estimation of the state of charge (SOC) of the battery is of great significance for safe and efficient energy utilization of electric vehicles. Given the nonlinear dynamic system of the lithium-ion battery, the parameters of the second-order RC equivalent circuit model were calibrated and optimized using a nonlinear least squares algorithm in the Simulink parameter estimation toolbox. A comparison was made between this finite difference extended Kalman filter (FDEKF) and the standard extended Kalman filter in the SOC estimation. The results show that the model can essentially predict the dynamic voltage behavior of the lithium-ion battery, and the FDEKF algorithm can maintain good accuracy in the estimation process and has strong robustness against modeling error.
Extracellular Matrix Proteins Expression Profiling in Chemoresistant Variants of the A2780 Ovarian Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Januchowski Radosław , Zawierucha Piotr , Ruciński Marcin , Nowicki Michał , Zabel Maciej
Published: April 2014

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among gynaecological malignancies. Extracellular matrix (ECM) can affect drug resistance by preventing the penetration of the drug into cancer cells and increased resistance to apoptosis. This study demonstrates alterations in the expression levels of ECM components and related genes in cisplatin-, doxorubicin-, topotecan-, and paclitaxel-resistant variants of the A2780 ovarian cancer cell line. Affymetrix Gene Chip Human Genome Array Strips were used for hybridisations. The genes that had altered expression levels in drug-resistant sublines were selected and filtered by scatter plots. The genes that were up- or downregulated more than fivefold were selected and listed. Among the investigated genes, 28 genes were upregulated, 10 genes were downregulated, and two genes were down- or upregulated depending on the cell line. Between upregulated genes 12 were upregulated very significantly—over 20-fold. These genes included COL1A2, COL12A1, COL21A1, LOX, TGFBI, LAMB1, EFEMP1, GPC3, SDC2, MGP, MMP3, and TIMP3. Four genes were very significantly downregulated: COL11A1, LAMA2, GPC6, and LUM. The expression profiles of investigated genes provide a preliminary insight into the relationship between drug resistance and the expression of ECM components. Identifying correlations between investigated genes and drug resistance will require further analysis.
State Estimation for Time-Delay Systems with Markov Jump Parameters and Missing Measurements
Authors: Tan Yushun , Qi Qiong , Liu Jinliang
Published: April 2014

This paper is concerned with the state estimation problem for a class of time-delay systems with Markovian jump parameters and missing measurements, considering the fact that data missing may occur in the process of transmission and its failure rates are governed by random variables satisfying certain probabilistic distribution. By employing a new Lyapunov function and using the convexity property of the matrix inequality, a sufficient condition for the existence of the desired state estimator for Markovian jump systems with missing measurements can be achieved by solving some linear matrix inequalities, which can be easily facilitated by using the standard numerical software. Furthermore, the gain of state estimator can also be derived based on the known conditions. Finally, a numerical example is exploited to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Dissociable Self Effects for Emotion Regulation: A Study of Chinese Major Depressive Outpatients
Authors: Wang Xiaoxia , Feng Zhengzhi , Zhou Daiquan , Lei Xu , Liao Tongquan , Zhang Li , Ji Bing , Li Jing
Published: April 2014

Reappraisal is an adaptive emotion regulation strategy while the role of self-perspective in reappraisal process of depressed patients is largely unknown in terms of goals (valence/arousal) and tactics (detachment/immersion). In this study, 12 depressed individuals and 15 controls were scanned with MRI during which they either attend naturally to emotional stimuli, or adopt detachment/immersion strategy. Behaviorally, no group differences in self-reported emotion regulation effectiveness were found. In addition, we observed that (1) patients were less able to downregulate amygdala activation with recruitment of more dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) when adopting detachment strategy regardless of valence, and this preserved ability to regulate emotion was inversely associated with severity of symptoms; (2) patients had deficits in upregulating amygdala activation when adopting immersion strategy, with less inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) activation and strengthening coupling of dlPFC and ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) with amygdala; (3) comparison between groups yielded that patients showed stronger vmPFC activation under either self-detached or self-immersed condition. In conclusion, impaired modulatory effects of amygdala in depressed patients are compensated with strengthening cognitive control resources, with dissociable effects for different self-perspectives in reappraisal. These results may help clarify the role of self-perspective underlying reappraisal in major depression.
Monitoring of the Adult Patient on Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Chung Mabel , Shiloh Ariel L. , Carlese Anthony
Published: April 2014

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) provides mechanical support to the patient with cardiac or cardiopulmonary failure. This paper reviews the physiology of VA ECMO including the determinants of ECMO flow and gas exchange. The efficacy of this therapy may be determined by assessing patient hemodynamics and device flow, overall gas exchange support, markers of adequate oxygen delivery, and pulsatility of the arterial blood pressure waveform.
Resistance Exercise with Older Fallers: Its Impact on Intermuscular Adipose Tissue
Authors: Jacobs Janelle L. , Marcus Robin L. , Morrell Glen , LaStayo Paul
Published: April 2014

Objective. Greater skeletal muscle fat infiltration occurs with age and contributes to numerous negative health outcomes. The primary purpose was to determine whether intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) can be influenced by an exercise intervention and if a greater reduction in IMAT occurs with eccentric versus traditional resistance training.Methods. Seventy-seven older adults (age 75.5 ± 6.8) with multiple comorbidities and a history of falling completed a three-month exercise intervention paired with either eccentric or traditional resistance training. MRI of the mid-thigh was examined at three time points to determine changes in muscle composition after intervention.Results. No differences in IMAT were observed over time, and there were no differences in IMAT response between intervention groups. Participants in the traditional group lost a significant amount of lean tissue (P=0.007) in the nine months after intervention, while participants in the eccentric group did not (P=0.32). When IMAT levels were partitioned into high and low IMAT groups, there were differential IMAT responses to intervention with the high group lowering thigh IMAT.Conclusions. There is no decrease in thigh IMAT after a three-month exercise intervention in older adults at risk for falling and no benefit to eccentric training over traditional resistance training for reducing IMAT in these individuals.
Modeling and Simulation of Complex Network Attributes on Coordinating Large Multiagent System
Authors: Xu Yang , Li Xiang , Liu Ming
Published: April 2014

With the expansion of distributed multiagent systems, traditional coordination strategy becomes a severe bottleneck when the system scales up to hundreds of agents. The key challenge is that in typical large multiagent systems, sparsely distributed agents can only communicate directly with very few others and the network is typically modeled as an adaptive complex network. In this paper, we present simulation testbedCoordSimbuilt to model the coordination of network centric multiagent systems. Based on the token-based strategy, the coordination can be built as a communication decision problem that agents make decisions to target communications and pass them over to the capable agents who will potentially benefit the team most. We have theoretically analyzed that the characters of complex network make a significant difference with both random and intelligent coordination strategies, which may contribute to future multiagent algorithm design.
The Successful Use of Inhaled Nitric Oxide in the Management of Severe Hepatopulmonary Syndrome after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation
Authors: Santos Joshua , Young Philip , Barjaktarevic Igor , Lazar Catherine , Susanto Irawan , Wang Tisha
Published: April 2014

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is characterized by pulmonary vasodilation and subsequent hypoxemia in the setting of hepatic dysfunction. There is currently no pharmacologic intervention that has been shown to significantly affect outcomes and liver transplantation remains the mainstay of therapy. Unfortunately, patients undergoing liver transplantation are at high risk of significant hypoxemia and mortality in the early postoperative period. In the following case series, we present two cases of patients with severe HPS who underwent liver transplantation and experienced marked hypoxemia in the early postoperative period. In both cases, we successfully treated the patients with inhaled nitric oxide for their severe refractory life-threatening hypoxemia which led to immediate and dramatic improvements in their oxygenation. Although the use of inhaled nitric oxide in patients with HPS has been sporadically reported in pediatric literature and in animal studies, to our knowledge, our cases are the first recorded in adult patients.
Obesity and Headache/Migraine: The Importance of Weight Reduction through Lifestyle Modifications
Authors: Verrotti Alberto , Di Fonzo Alessia , Penta Laura , Agostinelli Sergio , Parisi Pasquale
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study is to determine a possible relationship between prevalence, frequency, and severity of migraine and obesity. All pertinent data from the literature have been critically examined and reviewed in order to assess the possible relationship between obesity and migraine, in particular migraine frequency and disability in children, as well as in adult population studies. Prevalence, frequency, and severity of migraine appear to increase in relation to the body mass index, although this evidence is not supported by all the studies examined. Data from literature suggest that obesity can be linked with migraine prevalence, frequency, and disability both in pediatric and adult subjects. These data have important clinical implications and suggest that clinicians should have a special interest for weight reduction of obese children suffering from migraine, prescribing and supporting intensive lifestyle modifications (dietary, physical activities, and behavioral) for the patient and the entire family.
Harmonic-Rejection Compact Bandpass Filter Using Defected Ground Structure for GPS Application
Authors: Liu Haiwen , Ren Baoping , Xiao Xiang , Zhang Zhichong , Li Shen , Peng Suping
Published: April 2014

A miniaturized bandpass filter (BPF) using defected ground structure (DGS) resonator with the characteristic of harmonic rejection is developed in this paper. The second and third harmonics of the proposed BPF are rejected by the characteristic of stepped-impedance DGS resonator. Moreover, open stubs are established so that two adjustable transmission zeros can independently be created to extend the stopband and improve the rejection level. Finally, a second-order BPF, centered at 1.62 GHz with a stopband extended up to 5.6 GHz and a rejection level better than 20 dB, is designed and implemented for GPS application. A good agreement between simulation and measurement verifies the validity of this design methodology.
Clustering-Based Pattern Abnormality Detection in Distributed Sensor Networks
Authors: Jang Seok-Woo , Kim Gye-Young , Byun Siwoo
Published: April 2014

We suggest a method of effectively detecting and classifying network traffic attacks by visualizing their IP (Internet protocol) addresses and ports and clustering the visualized ports based on their variance. The proposed approach first visualizes the IP addresses and ports of the senders and receivers into two-dimensional images. The method then analyzes the visualized images and extracts linear and/or high brightness patterns, which represent traffic attacks. Subsequently, it groups the ports using an improved clustering algorithm, allowing an artificial neural network to learn the extracted features and to automatically detect and classify normal traffic data, DDoS attacks, DoS attacks, or Internet Worms. The experiments conducted in this work prove that our suggested clustering-based algorithm effectively detects various traffic attacks.
On the Zweier Sequence Spaces of Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Şengönül Mehmet
Published: April 2014

It was given a prototype constructing a new sequence space of fuzzy numbers by means of the matrix domain of a particular limitation method. That is we have constructed the Zweier sequence spaces of fuzzy numbers[ℓ∞(F)]Zη,[c(F)]Zη, and[c0(F)]Zηconsisting of all sequencesu=(uk)such thatZηuin the spacesℓ∞(F),c(F), andc0(F), respectively. Also, we prove that[ℓ∞(F)]Zη,[c(F)]Zη, and[c0(F)]Zηare linearly isomorphic to the spacesℓ∞(F),c(F), andc0(F), respectively. Additionally, theα(r)-,β(r)-, andγ(r)-duals of the spaces[ℓ∞(F)]Zη,[c(F)]Zη, and[c0(F)]Zηhave been computed. Furthermore, two theorems concerning matrix map have been given.
Studies of Three-Body Decay ofBtoJ/ψηKandB(Bs)toηcπK*
Authors: Mohammadi Behnam , Mehraban Hossein
Published: April 2014

We investigate theB0→J/ψηK0andB+→J/ψηK+decay by using the Dalitz plot analysis. As we know there are tree, penguin, emission, and emission-annihilation diagrams for these decay modes in the factorization approach. The transition matrix element is factorized into aB→ηKform factor multiplied byJ/ψdecay constant and also aB→Kform factor multiplied byJ/ψηdecay constant. According to QCD factorization approach and using the Dalitz plot analysis, we calculate the branching ratios of theB0→J/ψηK0andB+→J/ψηK+three-body decay in view of theη-η'mixing and obtain the value of the(9.22-1.47+2.67)×10-5, while the experimental results of them are(8±4)×10-5and(10.8±3.3)×10-5, respectively. In this research we also analyze theB(Bs)→ηcπK*decay which is similar to the previous decay, but there is no experimental data for the last decay. Since for calculations of theB(Bs)→ηcπK*decay we use assumptions of theB→J/ψηKdecay, we hope that if this decay will be measured by the LHCb in the future, the experimental results will be in agreement with our calculations.
A Family of Minimal Surfaces and Univalent Planar Harmonic Mappings
Authors: Dorff Michael , Muir Stacey
Published: April 2014

We present a two-parameter family of minimal surfaces constructed by lifting a family of planar harmonic mappings. In the process, we use the Clunie and Sheil-Small shear construction for planar harmonic mappings convex in one direction. This family of minimal surfaces, through a continuous transformation, has connections with three well-known surfaces: Enneper’s surface, the wavy plane, and the helicoid. Moreover, the identification process used to recognize the surfaces provides a connection to surfaces that give tight bounds on curvature estimates first studied in a 1988 work by Hengartner and Schober.
Microstrip Antenna Design for Femtocell Coverage Optimization
Authors: Ahmed Afaz Uddin , Islam M. T. , Azim Rezaul , Ismail Mahamod , Mansor Mohd Fais
Published: April 2014

A mircostrip antenna is designed for multielement antenna coverage optimization in femtocell network. Interference is the foremost concern for the cellular operator in vast commercial deployments of femtocell. Many techniques in physical, data link and network-layer are analysed and developed to settle down the interference issues. A multielement technique with self-configuration features is analyzed here for coverage optimization of femtocell. It also focuses on the execution of microstrip antenna for multielement configuration. The antenna is designed for LTE Band 7 by using standard FR4 dielectric substrate. The performance of the proposed antenna in the femtocell application is discussed along with results.
The Effectiveness of Anti-R. equiHyperimmune Plasma againstR. equiChallenge in Thoroughbred Arabian Foals of Mares Vaccinated withR. equiVaccine
Authors: Erganis Osman , Sayin Zafer , Hadimli Hasan Huseyin , Sakmanoglu Asli , Pinarkara Yasemin , Ozdemir Ozgur , Maden Mehmet
Published: April 2014

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a pregnant mare immunization of aRhodococcus equi(R. equi) vaccine candidate containing a water-based nanoparticle mineral oil adjuvanted (Montanide IMS 3012) inactive bacterin and virulence-associated protein A (VapA), as well as the administration of anti-R. equihyperimmune (HI) plasma againstR. equichallenge in the mares’ foals. The efficacy of passive immunizations (colostral passive immunity by mare vaccination and artificial passive immunity by HI plasma administration) was evaluated based on clinical signs, complete blood count, blood gas analysis, serological response (ELISA), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ), total cell count of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) samples, reisolation rate ofR. equifrom BALF samples (CFU/mL), lung samples (CFU/gr), and lesion scores of the organs and tissue according to pathological findings after necropsy in the foals. The vaccination of pregnant mares and HI plasma administration in the foals reduced the severity ofR. equipneumonia and lesion scores of the organs and tissue by 3.54-fold compared to the control foals. This study thus indicates that immunization of pregnant mares withR. equivaccine candidate and administration of HI plasma in mares’ foals effectively protect foals againstR. equichallenge.
Esterase Active in Polar Organic Solvents from the YeastPseudozymasp. NII 08165
Authors: Alex Deepthy , Shainu Anju , Pandey Ashok , Sukumaran Rajeev K.
Published: April 2014

Esterases/lipases active in water miscible solvents are highly desired in biocatalysis where substrate solubility is limited and also when the solvent is desired as an acyl acceptor in transesterification reactions, as with the case of biodiesel production. We have isolated an esterase from the glycolipid producing yeast-Pseudozymasp. NII 08165 which in its crude form was alkali active, thermo stable, halo tolerant and also capable of acting in presence of high methanol concentration. The crude enzyme which maintained 90% of its original activity after being treated at 70°C was purified and the properties were characterized. The partially purified esterase preparation had temperature and pH optima of 60°C and 8.0 respectively. The enzyme retained almost complete activity in presence of 25% methanol and 80% activity in the same strength of ethanol. Conditions of enzyme production were optimized, which lead to 9 fold increase in the esterase yield. One of the isoforms of the enzymeLIP1was purified to homogeneity and characterized. PurifiedLIP1had aKmandVmaxof 0.01 and 1.12, respectively. The purified esterase lost its thermo and halo tolerance but interestingly, retained 97% activity in methanol.
Culture versus PCR forSalmonellaSpecies Identification in Some Dairy Products and Dairy Handlers with Special Concern to Its Zoonotic Importance
Authors: Gwida Mayada M. , AL-Ashmawy Maha A. M.
Published: April 2014

A total of 200 samples of milk and dairy products as well as 120 samples of dairy handlers were randomly collected from different dairy farms and supermarkets in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. The conventional cultural and serotyping methods for detection ofSalmonellain dairy products were applied and the results were compared with those obtained by molecular screening assay using (ttrsequence). The obtained results revealed that 21% of milk and dairy products (42/200) were positive forSalmonellaspecies using enrichment culture-based PCR method, while 12% of different dairy samples (24/200) were found to be positive forSalmonellaspecies by using the conventional culture methods. Two stool specimens out of 40 apparently healthy dairy handlers were positive by the PCR method. Serotyping ofSalmonellaisolates revealed that 58.3% (14/24) from different dairy products were contaminated withSalmonellaTyphimurium. We conclude that the enrichment culture-based PCR assay has high sensitivity and specificity for detection ofSalmonellaspecies in dairy products and handlers. High incidence ofSalmonellaTyphimurium in the examined dairy samples highlights the important role played by milk and dairy products as a vehicle in disease prevalence. Great effort should be applied for reducing foodborne risk for consumers.
Tissue Residues, Hematological and Biochemical Effects of Tilmicosin in Broiler Chicken
Authors: Elsayed Mossad , Elkomy Ashraf , Aboubakr Mohamed , Morad Mohamed
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the blood and tissue concentrations profile and effect of tilmicosin on some hematological and biochemical parameters in broiler chicken. Fifty clinically healthy Hubbard chickens were orally administered 25 mg/kg BW of tilmicosin once daily for 5 consecutive days. Tissue residues of tilmicosin in slaughtered healthy chicken could not be detected by microbiological assay in all tested tissues except in lung (at 96 hours) and liver and kidneys (at 72 hours) after last administration. Tilmicosin caused temporary decrease in the RBCs and WBCs counts and has no effect on hemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume concentration (PCV). Also, the effect of tilmicosin on some biochemical parameters was as follows: the concentrations of creatinine, uric acid, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and calcium), glucose, AST, ALT, ALP, and HDL-cholesterol in the serum of treated chicken did not change in response to the repeated oral administration of tilmicosin. There were only a temporary significant decrease in total protein and albumin concentrations and a significant increase in cholesterol and triglycerides concentrations. Chicken must not be slaughtered before 4 days from the stopping of tilmicosin administration. Tilmicosin makes temporary changes on hematological and biochemical parameters in broiler chicken.
Methodology and Tools for Pervasive Application Development
Authors: Tang Lei , Yu Zhiwen , Wang Hanbo , Zhou Xingshe , Duan Zongtao
Published: April 2014

Understanding the user's demands and intentions is essential when developing pervasive applications. It ensures proactive decisions and improves usability. However, due to a lack of conceptual development methodology and supporting tools, it is difficult to orient the designs towards user's needs. To make the developer's task feasible, we present a development environment, called PerDE, which supports a novel design method. Our approach combines the notion of the situation with an application model and provides a domain-specific design language and a set of graphical toolkits covering the development life cycle of a pervasive application. We validate our approach on developing a realistic situation and describe the results from a user study that illustrates the expressiveness and usability of PerDE.
Combination of Complement-Dependent Cytotoxicity and Relative Fluorescent Quantification of HLA Length Polymorphisms Facilitates the Detection of a Loss of Heterozygosity
Authors: Witter Klaus , Reibke Roland , Subklewe Marion , Zahn Robert , Kauke Teresa , Spiekermann Karsten , Spannagl Michael , Tischer Johanna , Hiddemann Wolfgang , Dick Andrea
Published: April 2014

Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) is a common event in malignant cells. In this work we introduce a new approach to identify patients with loss of heterozygosity in the HLA region either at first diagnosis or after HLA mismatched allogeneic HSCT. Diagnosis of LOH requires a high purity of recipient target cells. FACS is time consuming and also frequently prevented by rather nonspecific or unknown immune phenotype. The approach for recipient cell enrichment is based on HLA targeted complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). Relative fluorescent quantification (RFQ) analysis of HLA intron length polymorphisms then allows analysis of HLA heterozygosity. The approach is exemplified in recent clinical cases illustrating the detection of an acquired allele loss. As illustrated in one case with DPB1, distinct HLA loci in donor and patient were sufficient for both proof of donor cell removal and evaluation of allele loss in the patient's leukemic cells. Results were confirmed using HLA-B RFQ analysis and leukemia-associated aberrant immunophenotype (LAIP) based cell sort. Both results confirmed suspected loss of HLA heterozygosity. Our approach complements or substitutes for FACS-based cell enrichment; hence it may be further developed as novel routine diagnostic tool. This allows rapid recipient cell purification and testing for loss of HLA heterozygosity before and after allogeneic HSCT in easily accessible peripheral blood samples.
Optimal State Estimation for Discrete-Time Markov Jump Systems with Missing Observations
Authors: Sun Qing , Zhao Shunyi , Yin Yanyan
Published: April 2014

This paper is concerned with the optimal linear estimation for a class of direct-time Markov jump systems with missing observations. An observer-based approach of fault detection and isolation (FDI) is investigated as a detection mechanic of fault case. For systems with known information, a conditional prediction of observations is applied and fault observations are replaced and isolated; then, an FDI linear minimum mean square error estimation (LMMSE) can be developed by comprehensive utilizing of the correct information offered by systems. A recursive equation of filtering based on the geometric arguments can be obtained. Meanwhile, a stability of the state estimator will be guaranteed under appropriate assumption.
Monotone Data Visualization Using Rational Trigonometric Spline Interpolation
Authors: Ibraheem Farheen , Hussain Maria , Hussain Malik Zawwar
Published: April 2014

Rational cubic and bicubic trigonometric schemes are developed to conserve monotonicity of curve and surface data, respectively. The rational cubic function has four parameters in each subinterval, while the rational bicubic partially blended function has eight parameters in each rectangular patch. The monotonicity of curve and surface data is retained by developing constraints on some of these parameters in description of rational cubic and bicubic trigonometric functions. The remaining parameters are kept free to modify the shape of curve and surface if required. The developed algorithm is verified mathematically and demonstrated graphically.
Morphological and Radiological Study of Ossified Superior Transverse Scapular Ligament as Potential Risk Factor of Suprascapular Nerve Entrapment
Authors: Polguj Michał , Sibiński Marcin , Grzegorzewski Andrzej , Waszczykowski Michał , Majos Agata , Topol Mirosław
Published: April 2014

The suprascapular notch is covered superiorly by the superior transverse scapular ligament. This region is the most common place of suprascapular nerve entrapment formation. The study was performed on 812 specimens: 86 dry scapulae, 104 formalin-fixed cadaveric shoulders, and 622 computer topography scans of scapulae. In the cases with completely ossified superior transverse scapular ligament, the following measurements were performed: proximal and distal width of the bony bridge, middle transverse and vertical diameter of the suprascapular foramen, and area of the suprascapular foramen. An ossified superior transverse scapular ligament was observed more often in men and in the right scapula. The mean age of the subjects with a completely ossified superior transverse scapular ligament was found to be similar than in those without ossification. The ossified band-shaped type of superior transverse scapular ligament was more common than the fan-shaped type and reduced the space below the ligament to a significantly greater degree. The ossified band-shaped type should be taken into consideration as a potential risk factor in the formation of suprascapular nerve entrapment. It could explain the comparable frequency of neuropathy in various populations throughout the world despite the significant differences between them in occurrence of ossified superior transverse scapular ligament.
Using Capacitance Sensors for the Continuous Measurement of the Water Content in the Litter Layer of Forest Soil
Authors: Ataka Mioko , Kominami Yuji , Miyama Takafumi , Yoshimura Kenichi , Jomura Mayuko , Tani Makoto
Published: April 2014

Little is known about the wetting and drying processes of the litter layer (Llayer), likely because of technical difficulties inherent in nondestructive water content (WC) monitoring. We developed a method for continuously measuring the WC of leaf litter (the “LWC method”)in situusing capacitance sensors. To test variants of this approach, five (for the LWC_5) or ten (for the LWC_10 method)Quercus serrataleaves were attached around capacitance sensors. The output voltage used for each LWC method was linearly correlated with the gravimetric WC (LWC_5:R2=0.940; LWC_10:R2=0.942), producing different slopes for each calibration line. Forin situcontinuous measurements of WC in theLlayer, two sensors were used, one placed on top of theLlayer and the other at the boundary between theLand mineral layers. The average continuous WC of theLlayer was then calculated from the output voltage of the two sensors and the calibration function, and this value was linearly correlated with the gravimetric WC(R2=0.697). However, because theLlayer characteristics (e.g., thickness, water-holding capacity, and species composition) may differ among study sites, appropriate approaches for measuring this layer’s moisture properties may be needed.
On Harmonious Labeling of Corona Graphs
Authors: Bača Martin , Youssef Maged Z.
Published: April 2014

A graphGwithqedges is said to be harmonious, if there is an injectionffrom the vertices ofGto the group of integers moduloqsuch that when each edgexyis assigned the labelf(x)+f(y)(modq), the resulting edge labels are distinct. In this paper, we study the existence of harmonious labeling for the corona graphs of a cycle and a graphGand for the corona graph ofK2and a tree.
Adaptive, Small‐Rotation‐Based, Corotational Technique for Analysis of 2D Nonlinear Elastic Frames
Authors: Rungamornrat Jaroon , Sihanartkatakul Saethapoom , Kanchanakitcharoen Pattawee
Published: April 2014

This paper presents an efficient and accurate numerical technique for analysis of two‐dimensional frames accounted for both geometric nonlinearity and nonlinear elastic material behavior. An adaptive remeshing scheme is utilized to optimally discretize a structure into a set of elements where the total displacement can be decomposed into the rigid body movement and one possessing small rotations. This, therefore, allows the force‐deformation relationship for the latter part to be established based on small‐rotation‐based kinematics. Nonlinear elastic material model is integrated into such relation via the prescribed nonlinear moment‐curvature relationship. The global force‐displacement relation for each element can be derived subsequently using corotational formulations. A final system of nonlinear algebraic equations along with its associated gradient matrix for the whole structure is obtained by a standard assembly procedure and then solved numerically by Newton‐Raphson algorithm. A selected set of results is then reported to demonstrate and discuss the computational performance including the accuracy and convergence of the proposed technique.
A Data Transmission Algorithm Based on Dynamic Grid Division for Coal Goaf Temperature Monitoring
Authors: Hu Qingsong , Wu Lixin , Geng Fei , Cao Can
Published: April 2014

WSN (wireless sensor network) is a perfect tool of temperature monitoring in coal goaf. Based on the three‐zone theory of goaf, the GtmWSN model is proposed, and its dynamic features are analyzed. Accordingly, a data transmission scheme, named DTDGD, is worked out. Firstly, sink nodes conduct dynamic grid division on the GtmWSN according to virtual semicircle. Secondly, each node will confirm to which grid it belongs based on grid number. Finally, data will be delivered to sink nodes with greedy forward and hole avoidance. Simulation results and field data showed that the GtmWSN and DTDGD satisfied the lifetime need of goaf temperature monitoring.
Finite-Time Vibration-Attenuation Controller Design for Structural Systems with Parameter Uncertainties
Authors: Ding Yuanchun , Weng Falu , Ge Ji , Liang Liming , Yang Guoliang
Published: April 2014

The problem of finite-time vibration-attenuation controller design for buildings structural systems with parameter uncertainties is the concern of this paper. The objective of designing controllers is to guarantee the finite-time stability of closed-loop systems with a prescribed level of disturbance attenuation. First, based on matrix transformation, the structural system is described as state-space model, which contains parameter uncertainties. Then, based on finite-time stability analysis method, some sufficient conditions for the existence of finite-time vibration-attenuation controllers are obtained. By solving these conditions, the desired controllers can be obtained for the closed-loop system to be finite-time stable with the performance ∥ z∥2 < γ∥ω∥2. It is shown by the simulation results, that compared with some Lyapunov asymptotic stability results, finite-time stability control can obtain better state responses, especially while the system is under nonzero initial states.
Good Preservation of Stromal Cells and No Apoptosis in Human Ovarian Tissue after Vitrification
Authors: Fabbri Raffaella , Vicenti Rossella , Macciocca Maria , Pasquinelli Gianandrea , Paradisi Roberto , Battaglia Cesare , Martino Nicola Antonio , Venturoli Stefano
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to develop a vitrification procedure for human ovarian tissue cryopreservation in order to better preserve the ovarian tissue. Large size samples of ovarian tissue retrieved from 15 female-to-male transgender subjects (18–38 years) were vitrified using two solutions (containing propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and sucrose at different concentrations) in an open system. Light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and TUNEL assay were applied to evaluate the efficiency of the vitrification protocol. After vitrification/warming, light microscopy showed oocyte nucleus with slightly thickened chromatin and irregular shape, while granulosa and stromal cells appeared well preserved. Transmission electron microscopy showed oocytes with slightly irregular nuclear shape and finely dispersed chromatin. Clear vacuoles and alterations in cellular organelles were seen in the oocyte cytoplasm. Stromal cells had a moderately dispersed chromatin and homogeneous cytoplasm with slight vacuolization. TUNEL assay revealed the lack of apoptosis induction by vitrification in all ovarian cell types. In conclusion after vitrification/warming the stromal compartment maintained morphological and ultrastructural features similar to fresh tissue, while the oocyte cytoplasm was slightly damaged. Although these data are encouraging, further studies are necessary and essential to optimize vitrification procedure.
Engagement with Care, Substance Use, and Adherence to Therapy in HIV/AIDS
Authors: Nicholas Patrice K. , Willard Suzanne , Thompson Clinton , Dawson-Rose Carol , Corless Inge B. , Wantland Dean J. , Sefcik Elizabeth F. , Nokes Kathleen M. , Kirksey Kenn M. , Hamilton Mary Jane , Holzemer William L. , Portillo Carmen J. , Rivero Mendez Marta , Robinson Linda M. , Rosa Maria , Human Sarie P. , Cuca Yvette , Huang Emily , Maryland Mary , Arudo John , Eller Lucille Sanzero , Stanton Mark A. , Driscoll MaryKate , Voss Joachim G. , Moezzi Shahnaz
Published: April 2014

Engagement with care for those living with HIV is aimed at establishing a strong relationship between patients and their health care provider and is often associated with greater adherence to therapy and treatment (Flickinger, Saha, Moore, and Beach, 2013). Substance use behaviors are linked with lower rates of engagement with care and medication adherence (Horvath, Carrico, Simoni, Boyer, Amico, and Petroli, 2013). This study is a secondary data analysis using a cross-sectional design from a larger randomized controlled trial (n=775) that investigated the efficacy of a self-care symptom management manual for participants living with HIV. Participants were recruited from countries of Africa and the US. This study provides evidence that substance use is linked with lower self-reported engagement with care and adherence to therapy. Data on substance use and engagement are presented. Clinical implications of the study address the importance of utilizing health care system and policy factors to improve engagement with care.
Granular Space Reduction to aβMultigranulation Fuzzy Rough Set
Authors: Zhou Junyi , Ma Shaohui , Li Jianzhen
Published: April 2014

Multigranulation rough set is an extension of classical rough set, and optimistic multigranulation and pessimistic multigranulation are two special cases of it.βmultigranulation rough set is a more generalized multigranulation rough set. In this paper, we first introduce fuzzy rough theory intoβmultigranulation rough set to construct aβmultigranulation fuzzy rough set, which can be used to deal with continuous data; then some properties are discussed. Reduction is an important issue of multigranulation rough set, and an algorithm of granular space reduction toβmultigranulation fuzzy rough set for preserving positive region is proposed. To test the algorithm, experiments are taken on five UCI data sets with different values ofβ. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Collaborative Development Planning Model of Supporting Product in Platform Innovation Ecosystem
Authors: Zhang Wei , Karimi Hamid Reza , Zhang Qingpu , Wu Shaobo
Published: April 2014

In order to improve the market value of the product, the platform enterprise often participates in the development process of supporting product of emerging industry’s platform innovation ecosystem. This paper puts forward a revenue sharing contract between the platform company and the supporting company by creating a collaborative development model of the supporting product in the ecosystem, and this paper studies the platform enterprise investment resource property′s (complementary or substitution) impact on the supporting enterprise R&D efforts and the revenue sharing factor and analyzes collaborative development mechanism of supporting product of emerging industry platform innovation ecosystem. The research indicates that when platform enterprise and supporting enterprise′s resources are complementary, the supporting enterprise R&D effort level and revenue sharing coefficient increase as the platform company’s investment increases. When platform enterprise and supporting enterprise′s resources are substitutive, the supporting enterprise’s R&D effort level and revenue sharing coefficient decrease as the platform company’s investment increases.
Biological Basis for Increased Sensitivity to Radiation Therapy in HPV-Positive Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: Bol V. , Grégoire V.
Published: April 2014

Although development of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) is commonly linked to the consumption of tobacco and alcohol, a link between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and a subgroup of head and neck cancers has been established. These HPV-positive tumors represent a distinct biological entity with overexpression of viral oncoproteins E6 and E7. It has been shown in several clinical studies that HPV-positive HNSCCs have a more favorable outcome and greater response to radiotherapy. The reason for improved prognosis of HPV-related HNSCC remains speculative, but it could be owned to multiple factors. One hypothesis is that HPV-positive cells are intrinsically more sensitive to standard therapies and thus respond better to treatment. Another possibility is that HPV-positive tumors uniquely express viral proteins that induce an immune response during therapy that helps clear tumors and prevents recurrence. Here, we will review current evidence for the biological basis of increased radiosensitivity in HPV-positive HNSCC.