bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Viscosity and Particle Size on the Erosion Damage Caused by Solid Particles
Authors: Mansouri A. , Shirazi S. A. , McLaury B. S.
Published: December 2014

Oil and gas produced from wells usually contain impurities such as sand particles transported by fluid flowing through pipelines. The particles impinge on the pipe walls and fittings removing material from the wall and causes erosion damage. The effect of viscosity and particle size on the local thickness loss and total erosion ratio was investigated by conducting a comprehensive experimental study on the erosion of stainless steel 316 specimens caused by sand entrained in a submerged liquid jet. Two types of sand with sizes of 150 μm and 300 μm were used and added to liquids with 1, 14 and 55 cP viscosities. The tests were carried out for three different nozzle angles: 90° (normal to target), 75° and 45°. The results show that for the 90° orientation, the total erosion ratio does not change significantly with increase in viscosity. The measurements also show that the erosion ratio for 300 μm sand is approximately two times higher than for 150 μm sand; where the erosion ratio is the mass loss of the target divided by the mass throughput of sand. The local thickness losses on the specimens were measured using a 3D profilometer, and the results show, maximum erosion depth is increasing as viscosity increases. Comparing the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images of the specimens after the test revealed that the crater sizes do not change very much with increases in viscosity. SEM images for both viscosities of 1 and 55 cP showed that the craters become longer moving radially outward from the the center of the impact zone. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations of erosion patterns are compared with data and they tend to under predict the total erosion ratio and local thickness loss for slurry flows as viscosity increases.
Initial Findings on the Feasibility of Real-Time Feedback Control of a Hazardous Contaminant Released Into Channel Flow by Means of a Laboratory-Scale Physical Prototype
Authors: Rimer Sara P. , Katopodes Nikolaos D. , Warnock April M.
Published: December 2014

The threat of accidental or deliberate toxic chemicals released into public spaces is a significant concern to public safety. The real-time detection and mitigation of such hazardous contaminants has the potential to minimize harm and save lives. We develop a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) flow control model with the capability of detecting and mitigating such contaminants. Furthermore, we develop a physical prototype to then test the computer model. The physical prototype is in its final stages of construction. Its current state, along with preliminary examples of the flow control model are presented throughout this paper.
Effect of the Heat Recovery System to the Performance of Air Handling Unit of a Workplace
Authors: Şenlen Onur Ali , Celen Ali , Çebi Alican , Dalkilic Ahmet Selim , Wongwises Somchai
Published: December 2014

This study investigated heat recovery systems and its effects on energy saving. Heat recovery systems are used for energy saving in heating, ventilating and air conditioning applications. In the study, a workplace equipped with and without heat recovery system was taken into consideration. The workplace has an air handling unit (AHU) which has 25,000 m3/h fresh air flow rate, 414 kW heating and 356 kW cooling capacities. AHU uses mixture air including %50 rooms air and mixes in mixing filter section. As a heat recovery system, rotary type heat exchanger was selected and its performance was investigated. Annual energy saving, initial investment cost, annual operating expenses, payback time and profit parameters were calculated to compare two air handling units for each month. According to the results, cooling battery power in the cooling season and heating battery power is reduced with the usage of rotary type heat exchanger. It is obvious that presence of the heat recovery systems enhances performance of the air handling units.
Wall Roughness Effect on Heat Transfer Rate of the Turbulent Gas-Solid Flow in Inclined Pipes
Authors: Ebadi Adel , Mansoori Zohreh , Saffar-Avval Majid , Ahmadi Goodarz
Published: December 2014

The effects of wall surface roughness on the rate of heat transfer and temperature profiles in turbulent gas-solid flows in pipes at different inclination angles were studied. The earlier developed computational model for 3D flows including the four-way interactions was extended and used in this study for evaluating the mean flow, turbulence intensity and thermal fields. Interaction of particles with the rough wall was included by introducing the available stochastic wall roughness models (shadow effect model) for the dispersed phase in the computational program. It was found that changes in the particle dispersion and particle concentration altered the Nusselt number and heat transfer rate in different regions of the pipe. The Nusselt number decreased in the lower part of the duct for horizontal and inclined pipes due to the reduction in the settling velocity. The surface roughness also altered the heat transfer coefficient in the periphery of the vertical riser. The simulation results showed that the fluid temperature was reduced in the pipe core and increased near the wall region for inclined pipes. On the other hand, particle temperature increased and flattened in the entire pipe cross section.
Experimental Versus Computational Methods in the Study of Flow in Porous Media
Authors: Patil Vishal , Finn Justin , He Xiaoliang , Ziazi Reza , Apte Sourabh V. , Liburdy James A. , Wood Brian
Published: December 2014

Both experimental and computational methods applied to the study of porous media flows are challenging due to the complex multi-phase geometry and ability to resolve scales over a reasonably large domain. This study compares experimentally obtained results based on refractive index matching of detailed velocity field vectors with those obtained using DNS to evaluate both methods for consistency. Data were obtained in a randomly packed bed using uniformly sized spherical particles. Experimental challenges including refractive index matching errors, magnification uncertainties, and the identification of the proper geometry as well as, the arduousness, of matching the geometry, grid resolution particularly near solid contact points, and proper boundary conditions DNS are presented. Detailed comparison of the numerical simulation with PIV measurements are presented by attention paid to the statistical distribution of velocities, and their deviation from DNS estimations from the measured values. There is reasonable matching the velocity fields except for some regions of constricted flow. The axial velocity results are within 12 percent and the normal velocity within 9%. Streamline details show that both methods agree well.
Measurement of Aerodynamic Breakup of Non-Newtonian Drops by Digital In-Line Holography
Authors: Gao Jian , Rodrigues Neil S. , Sojka Paul E. , Chen Jun
Published: December 2014

Aerodynamic fragmentation of bulk liquid into small droplets is an essential spray process that occurs in a variety of combustion systems. The aerodynamic breakup of non-Newtonian fluids, such as aerospace propellants, bio-fuels, fire-fighting liquids, thermal barrier coatings, water-gel explosives, paints, etc, is involved in many important applications. Non-Newtonian fluids differ from Newtonian fluids in that they do not exhibit a linear shear stress-strain rate relationship. They are employed when the liquid is desirable to have a low viscosity during spray formation (high strain rate) and a higher viscosity when on a target (low strain rate). This useful rheological behavior leads to a significantly different breakup mechanism of non-Newtonian fluids compared to that of Newtonian liquids. Unfortunately, there are limited experimental studies on the aerodynamic breakup of non-Newtonian drops. This is probably due to the difficulty in measuring fragments of complex morphologies. Digital in-line holography (DIH) provides simultaneous measurements of the particle size and position with unique access to three-dimensional (3D) information. Previous applications have demonstrated its applicability to arbitrary-shape particles, capability of extracting 3D morphologies, and effectiveness in characterizing the aerodynamic breakup of Newtonian drops. In the present study, the aerodynamic breakup of non-Newtonian drops is characterized using DIH. The measured characteristics including breakup morphologies, fragment/droplet size distribution and velocity distributions, demonstrate the effectiveness of DIH as a diagnostic tool for non-Newtonian fluids.
Numerical Simulation of Sand Ripple Evolution in Oscillatory Boundary Layers
Authors: Finn Justin R. , Apte Sourabh V. , Li Ming
Published: December 2014

We perform simulations of sand ripple evolution in an oscillatory boundary layer flow typical of the ripple regime. The simulation framework is a parallel implementation of a three dimensional, variable density, incompressible flow solver, which solves the ensemble averaged Navier-Stokes equations on a fixed, structured grid. The sediment phase is evolved by computing hydrodynamic and inter-particle forces acting on each Lagrangian particle. Particle-particle collisions are treated with a soft sphere model incorporating both normal and tangential collision forces. Realistic and consistent coupling of the sediment to the Eulerian fluid phase is achieved through a typical inter-phase drag force term as well as the effects of volume displacement by the sediment. The Euler-Lagrange computational approach is developed in three-dimensions and its accuracy is verified using two test cases with analytic or empirically known solutions. It is then applied to simulate ripple evolution in oscillatory boundary layers and results are compared with Nielsens ripple predictor model as well as mixture-theory based Eulerian computations.
Instrumentation to Monitor Transient Developing Periodic Flow in Newtonian Slurries
Authors: Bamberger Judith Ann , Enderlin Carl W.
Published: December 2014

This paper describes measurement techniques developed and applied to assess solids mobilization and mixing of Newtonian slurries that are subjected to transient, periodic, developing flows. Metrics to characterize mobilization and mixing are the just suspended velocity (UJS) and the cloud height (HC). Two ultrasonic instruments to characterize intermittent mixing of slurries were developed and deployed to measure related metrics: the thickness of the settled bed (used to determine mobilization) and the concentration within the cloud as a function of elevation [C(Z)]. A second method measured average density and monitored the concentration within the cloud using a continuous, circulating sample line with an inline Coriolis meter to measure bulk density. Testing focused on mixing vessels using intermittent jet mixers oriented vertically downward. Descriptions of the instruments and instrument performance are presented. These techniques were an effective approach to characterize mixing phenomena, determine mixing energy required to fully mobilize vessel contents, and to determine mixing times for process evaluation.
On the Response of Horizontal and Vertical Axis Wind Turbines to Turbulence: A Wind Tunnel Experiment
Authors: Tobin Nicolas A. , Narang Rishabh , Chamorro Leonardo P.
Published: December 2014

The turbulent flow modulation on the unsteady behavior of a model VAWT is investigated and compared with a model HAWT of similar size in a laboratory experiment. The turbines operated in low and high freestream turbulence. The research was performed at the Talbot Laboratory wind tunnel at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). High-resolution measurements of the turbine voltage for a small, 12 cm HAWT and a 16 cm VAWT are acquired at high temporal resolution, sufficient to capture the turbulent scales of flow relevant to the problem. Both turbines were built at the UIUC rapid prototyping lab and have realistic airfoil shapes. An understanding of the distinctive physical processes modulating the scale-to-scale fluctuating behavior in a VAWT and a HAWT exposed to the same turbulent flow conditions is discussed. A relation between turbulent motions and fluctuating behavior is extended from the knowledge of HAWTs to VAWTs.
On the Effect of Various Shrouds on the Wake of a Circular Cylinder
Authors: Azmi Azlin Mohd , Zhou Tongming , Cheng Liang
Published: December 2014

The wake of a circular cylinder enclosed in various shrouds is experimentally investigated in a wind tunnel at Reynolds number of 7000. The aim of the present work is to understand the effect of different shroud types on the vortex shedding frequency and vortex structures from the shrouded cylinders. The tested shrouds are porous screen cylinders and a circular-holed shroud at various porosities of 37%, 48% and 40%, respectively, with the diameter ratio between the shroud and the inner cylinder of 1.3. Phase-averaged analysis is used to examined the large-scale coherent structures with one hot-wire probe moving across the wake in the y-direction to measure the velocity components and another fixed at y/d=1 to 2 from the wake centerline to provide a phase reference to the measured velocity signals. It was found that the vortex shedding persists to some great distance downstream in the wake of the tested shrouds. While the strength of the coherent structures in the wakes of the bare cylinder and tested shrouds are comparable, those in the circular-holed shroud and screen shroud of 48% porosity are 40% higher than the former two at x/d=10.
Computer‐aided detection of renal calculi from noncontrast CT images using TV‐flow and MSER features
Authors: Liu Jianfei , Wang Shijun , Turkbey Evrim B. , Linguraru Marius George , Yao Jianhua , Summers Ronald M.
Published: December 2014

Purpose:

Renal calculi are common extracolonic incidental findings on computed tomographic colonography (CTC). This work aims to develop a fully automated computer‐aided diagnosis system to accurately detect renal calculi on CTC images.

Methods:

The authors developed a total variation (TV) flow method to reduce image noise within the kidneys while maintaining the characteristic appearance of renal calculi. Maximally stable extremal region (MSER) features were then calculated to robustly identify calculi candidates. Finally, the authors computed texture and shape features that were imported to support vector machines for calculus classification. The method was validated on a dataset of 192 patients and compared to a baseline approach that detects calculi by thresholding. The authors also compared their method with the detection approaches using anisotropic diffusion and nonsmoothing.

Results:

At a false positive rate of 8 per patient, the sensitivities of the new method and the baseline thresholding approach were 69% and 35% (p < 1e − 3) on all calculi from 1 to 433 mm3 in the testing dataset. The sensitivities of the detection methods using anisotropic diffusion and nonsmoothing were 36% and 0%, respectively. The sensitivity of the new method increased to 90% if only larger and more clinically relevant calculi were considered.

Conclusions:

Experimental results demonstrated that TV‐flow and MSER features are efficient means to robustly and accurately detect renal calculi on low‐dose, high noise CTC images. Thus, the proposed method can potentially improve diagnosis.
A Linearized Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers with Substitution Procedure
Authors: Chao Miantao , Cheng Caozong , Zhang Haibin
Published: December 2014

We consider the linearly constrained separable convex programming problem whose objective function is separable into m individual convex functions with non-overlapping variables. The alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) has been well studied in the literature for the special case m = 2, but the direct extension of ADMM for the general case m ≥ 2 is not necessarily convergent. In this paper, we propose a new linearized ADMM-based contraction type algorithms for the general case m ≥ 2. For the proposed algorithm, we prove its convergence via the analytic framework of contractive type methods and we derive a worst-case O(1/t) convergence rate in ergodic sense. Finally, numerical results are reported to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
The Rate of Convergence of a NLM Based on F–B NCP for Constrained Optimization Problems Without Strict Complementarity
Authors: He Suxiang , Zhang Liwei , Zhang Jie
Published: December 2014

It is well-known that the linear rate of convergence can be established for the classical augmented Lagrangian method for constrained optimization problems without strict complementarity. Whether this result is still valid for other nonlinear Lagrangian methods (NLM) is an interesting problem. This paper proposes a nonlinear Lagrangian function based on Fischer–Burmeister (F–B) nonlinear complimentarity problem (NCP) function for constrained optimization problems. The rate of convergence of this NLM is analyzed under the linear independent constraint qualification and the strong second-order sufficient condition without strict complementarity when subproblems are assumed to be solved exactly and inexactly, respectively. Interestingly, it is demonstrated that the Lagrange multipliers associating with inactive inequality constraints at the local minimum point converge to zeros superlinearly. Several illustrative examples are reported to show the behavior of the NLM.
Equilibrium analysis of one aggressive investment strategy
Authors: Jiang Junya , Tian Weidong
Published: December 2014

This paper presents an equilibrium analysis of one type of aggressive investment strategy that ensures a high return subject to accepting risk. We focus on the comparison between this aggressive strategy and a relatively conservative strategy — portfolio insurance. We demonstrate that the aggressive strategy enlarges investment opportunities, and that the market behaves more stable with the presence of aggressive investors than the market with conservative investors only.
Compound Composite Odontoma and Its Management
Authors: Abdul Morawala , Pragati Kapila , Yusuf Chunawala
Published: December 2014

Odontomas are odontogenic benign tumors composed of dental tissue. Majority of these lesions are asymptomatic and are often detected on routine radiographs. They can be thought of as “tooth hamartomas" with the lesion consisting of various tooth components. They are divided histologically into complex odontomas and compound odontomas. This paper describes the case of a compound odontoma in a 13-year-old girl diagnosed due to the retention of the primary right mandibular second molar. A surgical excision was performed without disturbing the unerupted premolar. The results achieved indicate that early diagnosis of odontomas enables adoption of less complex treatment, a better prognosis, and displacement or devitalisation of adjacent tooth.
Evaluation of the Inhibition of Carbohydrate Hydrolyzing Enzymes, the Antioxidant Activity, and the Polyphenolic Content ofCitrus limettaPeel Extract
Authors: Padilla-Camberos Eduardo , Lazcano-Díaz Estefania , Flores-Fernandez José Miguel , Owolabi Moses S. , Allen Kirk , Villanueva-Rodríguez Socorro
Published: December 2014

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most frequent causes of death in Mexico, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. One alternative strategy for this metabolic abnormality is inhibiting the enzymes responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates. We evaluated whether the aqueousCitrus limettapeel extract could inhibit the metabolism of carbohydrates. We found that this extract inhibited primarily the enzymeα-amylase by 49.6% at a concentration of 20 mg/mL and to a lesser extent the enzymeα-glucosidase with an inhibition of 28.2% at the same concentration. This inhibition is likely due to the high polyphenol content in theCitrus limettapeel (19.1 mg GAE/g). Antioxidant activity of theCitrus limettapeel demonstrated dose-dependent antioxidant activity, varying from 6.5% at 1.125 mg/mL to 42.5% at 20 mg/mL. The study of these polyphenolic compounds having both antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activities may provide a new approach to the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Association of Polymorphisms of Genes Involved in Lipid Metabolism with Blood Pressure and Lipid Values in Mexican Hypertensive Individuals
Authors: Ríos-González Blanca Estela , Ibarra-Cortés Bertha , Ramírez-López Guadalupe , Sánchez-Corona José , Magaña-Torres María Teresa
Published: December 2014

Hypertension and dyslipidemia exhibit an important clinical relationship because an increase in blood lipids yields an increase in blood pressure (BP). We analyzed the associations of seven polymorphisms of genes involved in lipid metabolism (APOA5rs3135506,APOBrs1042031,FABP2rs1799883,LDLRrs5925,LIPCrs1800588,LPLrs328, andMTTPrs1800591) with blood pressure and lipid values in Mexican hypertensive (HT) patients. A total of 160 HT patients and 160 normotensive individuals were included. Genotyping was performed through PCR-RFLP, PCR-AIRS, and sequencing. The results showed significant associations in the HT group and HT subgroups classified as normolipemic and hyperlipemic. The allelesFABP2p.55T,LIPC−514T, andMTTP−493T were associated with elevated systolic BP. Five alleles were associated with lipids.LPLp.474X andFABP2p.55T were associated with decreased total cholesterol and LDL-C, respectively;APOA5p.19W with increased HDL-C;APOA5p.19W andFABP2p.55T with increased triglycerides; andAPOBp.4181K andLDLRc.1959T with decreased triglycerides. TheAPOBp.E4181K polymorphism increases the risk for HT (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.17–2.93;P=0.001) under the dominant model. These findings indicate that polymorphisms of lipid metabolism genes modify systolic BP and lipid levels and may be important in the development of essential hypertension and dyslipidemia in Mexican HT patients.
Some Topological Properties ofCbX
Authors: Ferrando Juan Carlos
Published: December 2014

IfXis a completely regular space, first we characterize those spacesCbXwhose compact sets are metrizable. Then we use this result to provide a general condition forXto ensure the metrizability of compact sets inCbX. Finally, we characterize those spacesCbXthat have aG-basis.
Toxicity and Microbial Degradation of Nitrobenzene, Monochloronitrobenzenes, Polynitrobenzenes, and Pentachloronitrobenzene
Authors: Arora Pankaj Kumar , Bae Hanhong
Published: December 2014

Nitrobenzene and its derivatives (NBDs) are highly toxic compounds that have been released into the environment by anthropogenic activities. Many bacteria and fungi have been well-characterized for their ability to degrade NBDs. The biochemical and molecular characterization of the microbial degradation of NBDs has also been studied. In this review, we have summarized the toxicity and degradation profiles of nitrobenzene, monochloronitrobenzenes, polynitrobenzenes, and pentachloronitrobenzene. This review will increase our current understanding of toxicity and microbial degradation of NBDs.
Polymorphisms of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Transforming Growth Factor-β, and Interleukin-10 in Asthma Associated with Olive Pollen Sensitization
Authors: Cárdaba Blanca , Calzada David , Baos Selene , Aguerri Miriam , Quiralte Joaquín , Lahoz Carlos
Published: December 2014

Sensitization to specific olive pollen-allergens (Ole e 2 and 10) has been correlated with a clinical pattern of asthma. This study analyzes the association between several polymorphims ofTNFA(G-308A,C-857T, andC-1031T),IL10(C-571AandA-1117G), andTGFB(C-509-T) and these sensitizations. These polymorphisms were genotyped by allelic discrimination, in olive pollen-allergic patients (phenotyped for specific Ole e 2 and 10 sensitizations) and healthy controls. Levels of serum-soluble cytokines were correlated with specific genotypes and clinical phenotypes. The results showed that heterozygousTGFB C-509Tgenotype, besides having the lowest sera TGF- levels, was significantly increased in olive pollen-allergic patients compared with controls. According specific sensitizations,CCgenotype ofIL10 C-571Acould be a protective factor for Ole e 2 sensitization and mainly for asthmatic Ole e 2 sensitized patients compared with asthmatic non-Ole e 2 sensitized patients (OR: 0.26,P=0.008). In contrast, heterozygousCAgenotype was increased in Ole e 2 asthmatic subjects compared to asthmatic non-Ole e 2 sensitized patients. Lastly, heterozygousTNFA G-308Agenotype was associated with Ole e 10 sensitization (OR: 2.5,P=0.04). In conclusion, these results suggest a role of TGF-β1 in olive-pollen sensitization and TNF-αand IL-10 genotypes in the asthma induced by specific olive-pollen allergens.
Development of Robust Behaviour Recognition for an at-Home Biomonitoring Robot with Assistance of Subject Localization and Enhanced Visual Tracking
Authors: Imamoglu Nevrez , Dorronzoro Enrique , Wei Zhixuan , Shi Huangjun , Sekine Masashi , González José , Gu Dongyun , Chen Weidong , Yu Wenwei
Published: December 2014

Our research is focused on the development of an at-home health care biomonitoring mobile robot for the people in demand. Main task of the robot is to detect and track a designated subject while recognizing his/her activity for analysis and to provide warning in an emergency. In order to push forward the system towards its real application, in this study, we tested the robustness of the robot system with several major environment changes, control parameter changes, and subject variation. First, an improved color tracker was analyzed to find out the limitations and constraints of the robot visual tracking considering the suitable illumination values and tracking distance intervals. Then, regarding subject safety and continuous robot based subject tracking, various control parameters were tested on different layouts in a room. Finally, the main objective of the system is to find out walking activities for different patterns for further analysis. Therefore, we proposed a fast, simple, and person specific new activity recognition model by making full use of localization information, which is robust to partial occlusion. The proposed activity recognition algorithm was tested on different walking patterns with different subjects, and the results showed high recognition accuracy.
A Pilot Study of an Exercise-Based Patient Education Program in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Kersten Stephanie , Mahli Mohammed , Drosselmeyer Julia , Lutz Christina , Liebherr Magnus , Schubert Patric , Haas Christian T.
Published: December 2014

There is increasing evidence that physical exercise leads to numerous positive effects in PwMS. However, long-term effects of exercise may only be achievable if training is implemented in daily routine. Enabling patients to exercise regularly, we developed a patient education program focused on evidence-based information of training. PwMS were educated in neurophysiological effects of physical exercise, exercise-induced benefits for PwMS, and risk factors (e.g., weather). Fifteen PwMS were analyzed before (T0) and after (T1) a 12-week patient education. Afterwards, participants performed their exercises autonomously for 32 weeks and were tested in sustainability tests (T2). Guided interviews were carried out, additionally. Significant improvements fromT0toT1were found in 6MWT, gait velocity, TUG, fatigue, and quality of life. Significant results of TUG and gait velocity fromT1toT2demonstrated that participants kept few effects after the 32-week training phase. Qualitative analyses showed improved self-confidence and identified training strategies and barriers. This pilot study provides evidence that PwMS are able to acquire good knowledge about physical exercise and apply this knowledge successfully in training management. One might conclude that this exercise-based patient education seems to be a feasible option to maintain or improve patients’ integral constitution concerning physical and mental health.
Cysteine Cathepsin Activity Regulation by Glycosaminoglycans
Authors: Novinec Marko , Lenarčič Brigita , Turk Boris
Published: December 2014

Cysteine cathepsins are a group of enzymes normally found in the endolysosomes where they are primarily involved in intracellular protein turnover but also have a critical role in MHC II-mediated antigen processing and presentation. However, in a number of pathologies cysteine cathepsins were found to be heavily upregulated and secreted into extracellular milieu, where they were found to degrade a number of extracellular proteins. A major role in modulating cathepsin activities play glycosaminoglycans, which were found not only to facilitate their autocatalytic activation including at neutral pH, but also to critically modulate their activities such as in the case of the collagenolytic activity of cathepsin K. The interaction between cathepsins and glycosaminoglycans will be discussed in more detail.
A Multimode Responsive Aptasensor for Adenosine Detection
Authors: Zhao Na , Zhao Dan , Xu Li-ping , Chen Linfeng , Wen Yongqiang , Zhang Xueji
Published: December 2014

We report a novel multimode detection aptasensor with three signal responses (i.e., fluorescence recovery, enhanced Raman signal, and color change). The presence of adenosine induces the conformational switch of the adenosine aptamer (Apt), forming adenosine‐aptamer complex and releasing quantum dots (QDs) from AuNPs, resulting in the recovered fluorescence, the enhanced Raman signal, and color change of the solution. The multimode signal recognition is potentially advantageous in improving the precision and reliability of the detection in complex environments compared to the conventional single‐mode sensing system. The multimode detection strategy opens up a new possibility in sensing and quantifying more other target molecules.
Mucocutaneous Manifestations of HIV and the Correlation with WHO Clinical Staging in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Oninla Olumayowa Abimbola
Published: December 2014

Skin diseases are indicators of HIV/AIDS which correlates with WHO clinical stages. In resource limited environment where CD4 count is not readily available, they can be used in assessing HIV patients. The study aims to determine the mucocutaneous manifestations in HIV positive patients and their correlation with WHO clinical stages. A prospective cross-sectional study of mucocutaneous conditions was done among 215 newly diagnosed HIV patients from June 2008 to May 2012 at adult ART clinic, Wesley Guild Hospital Unit, OAU Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ilesha, Osun State, Nigeria. There were 156 dermatoses with oral/oesophageal/vaginal candidiasis (41.1%), PPE (24.4%), dermatophytic infections (8.9%), and herpes zoster (3.8%) as the most common dermatoses. The proportions of dermatoses were 4.5%, 21.8%, 53.2%, and 20.5% in stages 1–4, respectively. A significant relationship (using Pearson’s Chi square withPvalue<0.05) was obtained between dermatoses and WHO clinical stages. Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed a positive correlation between the number of dermatoses and the WHO clinical stages. Dermatoses can therefore serve as diagnostic and prognostic markers in resource limited settings to initiate HAART in clinical stages 3 and 4.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Corrêa Jôice Dias , Pereira Daniele Sirineu , Madeira Mila Fernandes Moreira , Queiroz-Junior Celso Martins , Souza Danielle Glória , Teixeira Mauro Martins , Costa José Eustáquio , Teixeira Antônio Lúcio , Silva Tarcília Aparecida da
Published: December 2014

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophic factor family. Outside the nervous system, BDNF has been shown to be expressed in various nonneural tissues, such as periodontal ligament, dental pulp, and odontoblasts. Although a role for BDNF in periodontal regeneration has been suggested, a function for BDNF in periodontal disease has not yet been studied. The aim of this study was to analyze the BDNF levels in periodontal tissues of patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and periodontally healthy controls (HC). All subjects were genotyped for the rs4923463 and rs6265BDNFpolymorphisms. Periodontal tissues were collected for ELISA, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and microscopic analysis from 28 CP patients and 29 HC subjects. BDNF levels were increased in CP patients compared to HC subjects. A negative correlation was observed when analyzing concentration of BDNF and IL-10 in inflamed periodontium. No differences in frequencies of BDNF genotypes between CP and HC subjects were observed. However,BDNFgenotype GG was associated with increased levels of BDNF, TNF-α, and CXCL10 in CP patients. In conclusion, BDNF seems to be associated with periodontal disease process, but the specific role of BDNF still needs to be clarified.
Application of Wireless Intelligent Control System for HPS Lamps and LEDs Combined Illumination in Road Tunnel
Authors: Lai Jinxing , Qiu Junling , Chen Jianxun , Wang Yaqiong , Fan Haobo
Published: December 2014

Because of the particularity of the environment in the tunnel, the rational tunnel illumination system should be developed, so as to optimize the tunnel environment. Considering the high cost of traditional tunnel illumination system with high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps as well as the effect of a single light source on tunnel entrance, the energy-saving illumination system with HPS lamps and LEDs combined illumination in road tunnel, which could make full use of these two kinds of lamps, was proposed. The wireless intelligent control system based on HPS lamps and LEDs combined illumination and microcontrol unit (MCU) Si1000 wireless communication technology was designed. And the remote monitoring, wireless communication, and PWM dimming module of this system were designed emphatically. Intensity detector and vehicle flow detector can be configured in wireless intelligent control system, which gather the information to the master control unit, and then the information is sent to the monitoring center through the Ethernet. The control strategies are got by the monitoring center according to the calculated results, and the control unit wirelessly sends parameters to lamps, which adjust the luminance of each segment of the tunnel and realize the wireless intelligent control of combined illumination in road tunnel.
Existence of Solutions for a Class of Quasilinear Parabolic Equations with Superlinear Nonlinearities
Authors: Wang Zhong-Xiang , Jia Gao , Zhang Xiao-Juan
Published: December 2014

Working in a weighted Sobolev space, this paper is devoted to the study of the boundary value problem for the quasilinear parabolic equations with superlinear growth conditions in a domain of RN. Some conditions which guarantee the solvability of the problem are given.
Global Phenotypic Characterization of Effects of Fluoroquinolone Resistance Selection on the Metabolic Activities and Drug Susceptibilities ofClostridium perfringensStrains
Authors: Park Miseon , Rafii Fatemeh
Published: December 2014

Fluoroquinolone resistance affects toxin production ofClostridium perfringensstrains differently. To investigate the effect of fluoroquinolone resistance selection on global changes in metabolic activities and drug susceptibilities, fourC. perfringensstrains and their norfloxacin-, ciprofloxacin-, and gatifloxacin-resistant mutants were compared in nearly 2000 assays, using phenotype microarray plates. Variations among mutant strains resulting from resistance selection were observed in all aspects of metabolism. Carbon utilization, pH range, osmotic tolerance, and chemical sensitivity of resistant strains were affected differently in the resistant mutants depending on both the bacterial genotype and the fluoroquinolone to which the bacterium was resistant. The susceptibilities to gentamicin and erythromycin of all resistant mutants except one increased, but some resistant strains were less susceptible to amoxicillin, cefoxitin, ceftriaxone, chloramphenicol, and metronidazole than their wild types. Sensitivity to ethidium bromide decreased in some resistant mutants and increased in others. Microarray analysis of two gatifloxacin-resistant mutants showed changes in metabolic activities that were correlated with altered expression of various genes. Both the chemical structures of fluoroquinolones and the genomic makeup of the wild types influenced the changes found in resistant mutants, which may explain some inconsistent reports of the effects of therapeutic use of fluoroquinolones on clinical isolates of bacteria.
Spontaneous Regression of a Carcinoid Tumor following Pregnancy
Authors: Sewpaul A. , Bargiela D. , James A. , Johnson S. J. , French J. J.
Published: December 2014

We present a case of spontaneous regression of a neuroendocrine tumor following pregnancy in the absence of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or alternative medicine (including herbal medicine). The diagnosis of a nonsecretory carcinoid tumor was confirmed using CT imaging, octreotide scan, and histology. Furthermore, serial imaging has demonstrated spontaneous regression of the carcinoid suggesting that pregnancy did not worsen the course of the disease but instead may have contributed to tumour regression. We discuss mechanisms underlying tumour regression and the possible effect of pregnancy on these processes.
Fraser Syndrome-Oral Manifestations and a Dental Care Protocol
Authors: de Oliveira Talita Lopes , de Sant’Anna Giselle Rodrigues
Published: December 2014

Fraser syndrome is a rare genetic malformation with an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance and an incidence of consanguinity ranging from 15% to 25%. A 5-year-old male patient who is a carrier of Fraser syndrome initiated treatment in the pediatric dentistry sector. The patient was fed parenterally since birth, experienced recurring bouts of chronic lung disease, and was referred to the pediatric dentistry sector by the medical team. Radiographic examination revealed the presence of all permanent teeth. Supragingival dental calculus, halitosis, and gingival inflammation were also observed. Dental calculus was removed by manual scraping, and chemotherapeutic agents were used, chlorhexidine 0,12%, chlorhexidine gel 2%, and PVP-I, to control the bacterial flora. The patient is still being monitored after an 8-year follow-up period, the complications associated with periodontal disease decreased, and since the initiation of treatment, the patient has not needed to be hospitalized because of chronic lung disease. This study reports the case of a patient diagnosed with Fraser syndrome and describes the clinical manifestations (general and oral).
A General Setting and Solution of Bellman Equation in Monetary Theory
Authors: Gan Xiaoli , Lu Wanbo
Published: December 2014

As an important tool in theoretical economics, Bellman equation is very powerful in solving optimization problems of discrete time and is frequently used in monetary theory. Because there is not a general method to solve this problem in monetary theory, it is hard to grasp the setting and solution of Bellman equation and easy to reach wrong conclusions. In this paper, we discuss the rules and problems that should be paid attention to when incorporating money into general equilibrium models. A general setting and solution of Bellman equation in monetary theory are provided. The proposed method is clear, is easy to grasp, is generalized, and always leads to the correct results.
Biomechanics of Gait during Pregnancy
Authors: Branco Marco , Santos-Rocha Rita , Vieira Filomena
Published: December 2014

Introduction. During pregnancy women experience several changes in the body’s physiology, morphology, and hormonal system. These changes may affect the balance and body stability and can cause discomfort and pain. The adaptations of the musculoskeletal system due to morphological changes during pregnancy are not fully understood. Few studies clarify the biomechanical changes of gait that occur during pregnancy and in postpartum period.Purposes. The purpose of this review was to analyze the available evidence on the biomechanical adaptations of gait that occur throughout pregnancy and in postpartum period, specifically with regard to the temporal, spatial, kinematic, and kinetic parameters of gait.Methods. Three databases were searched and 9 studies with a follow-up design were retrieved for analysis.Results. Most studies performed temporal, spatial, and kinematic analysis. Only three studies performed kinetic analysis.Conclusion. The adaptation strategies to the anatomical and physiological changes throughout pregnancy are still unclear, particularly in a longitudinal perspective and regarding kinetic parameters.
Three-Dimensional CT Findings of Os Calcaneus Secundarius Mimicking a Fracture
Authors: Bulut Mehmet Deniz , Yavuz Alpaslan , Bora Aydın , Gökalp Mehmet Ata , Özkaçmaz Sercan , Batur Abdussamet
Published: December 2014

Os calcaneus secundarius is one of several accessory ossicles of the foot that have been identified as normal variants of skeletal development. It may cause ankle pain and may mimic an avulsion fracture of the anterior calcaneal process. A twenty-year-old male was admitted to our institution with right ankle pain following an inversion injury. An axial CT image of the patient’s right ankle revealed a shape with smooth and sharp margins, identified as a well-corticated bone fragment in the subtalar region. A diagnosis of an accessory ossicle, os calcaneus secundarius, was made based on radiographic findings. As a result of this case, it is recommended that potential locations of the accessory bones should be well understood in order to prevent misdiagnosis and inappropriate surgical procedures. Os calcaneus secundarius must be considered when an apparent bone fragment or a suspicious fracture line at the anterior region of os calcaneus is demonstrated.
Reevaluation of Acromegalic Patients in Long-Term Remission according to Newly Proposed Consensus Criteria for Control of Disease
Authors: Verrua Elisa , Ferrante Emanuele , Filopanti Marcello , Malchiodi Elena , Sala Elisa , Giavoli Claudia , Arosio Maura , Lania Andrea Gerardo , Ronchi Cristina Lucia , Mantovani Giovanna , Beck-Peccoz Paolo , Spada Anna
Published: December 2014

Acromegaly guidelines updated in 2010 revisited criteria of disease control: if applied, it is likely that a percentage of patients previously considered as cured might present postglucose GH nadir levels not adequately suppressed, with potential implications on management. This study explored GH secretion, as well as hormonal, clinical, neuroradiological, metabolic, and comorbid profile in a cohort of 40 acromegalic patients considered cured on the basis of the previous guidelines after a mean follow-up period of 17.2 years from remission, in order to assess the impact of the current criteria. At the last follow-up visit, in the presence of normal IGF-I concentrations, postglucose GH nadir was over 0.4 μg/L in 11 patients (Group A) and below 0.4 μg/L in 29 patients (Group B); moreover, Group A showed higher basal GH levels than Group B, whereas a significant decline of both GH and postglucose GH nadir levels during the follow-up was observed in Group B only. No differences in other evaluated parameters were found. These results seem to suggest that acromegalic patients considered cured on the basis of previous guidelines do not need a more intensive monitoring than patients who met the current criteria of disease control, supporting instead that the cut-off of 0.4 mcg/L might be too low for the currently used GH assay.
Role of Melatonin in Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Naseem Mehar , Parvez Suhel
Published: December 2014

Brain and spinal cord are implicated in incidences of two of the most severe injuries of central nervous system (CNS). Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a devastating neurological deficit involving primary and secondary injury cascades. The primary and secondary mechanisms include complex consequences of activation of proinflammatory cytokines, cerebral edema, upregulation of NF-κβ, disruption of blood-brain barrier (BBB), and oxidative stress. Spinal cord injury (SCI) includes primary and secondary injury cascades. Primary injury leads to secondary injury in which generation of free radicals and oxidative or nitrative damage play an important pathophysiological role. The indoleamine melatonin is a hormone secreted or synthesized by pineal gland in the brain which helps to regulate sleep and wake cycle. Melatonin has been shown to be a versatile hormone having antioxidative, antiapoptotic, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has a special characteristic of crossing BBB. Melatonin has neuroprotective role in the injured part of the CNS after TBI and SCI. A number of studies have successfully shown its therapeutic value as a neuroprotective agent in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Here in this review we have compiled the literature supporting consequences of CNS injuries, TBI and SCI, and the protective role of melatonin in it.
Efficient Bounding Schemes for the Two-Center Hybrid Flow Shop Scheduling Problem with Removal Times
Authors: Hidri Lotfi , Gharbi Anis , Louly Mohamed Aly
Published: December 2014

We focus on the two-center hybrid flow shop scheduling problem with identical parallel machines and removal times. The job removal time is the required duration to remove it from a machine after its processing. The objective is to minimize the maximum completion time (makespan). A heuristic and a lower bound are proposed for this NP-Hard problem. These procedures are based on the optimal solution of the parallel machine scheduling problem with release dates and delivery times. The heuristic is composed of two phases. The first one is a constructive phase in which an initial feasible solution is provided, while the second phase is an improvement one. Intensive computational experiments have been conducted to confirm the good performance of the proposed procedures.
Craniodentofacial Manifestations in a Rare Syndrome: Orofaciodigital Type IV (Mohr-Majewski Syndrome)
Authors: Ozdemir-Karatas Meltem , Ozdemir-Ozenen Didem , Hart P. Suzanne , Hart Thomas C.
Published: December 2014

Background.The orofaciodigital syndromes (OFDS) are a heterogeneous group of syndromes that affect the face, oral cavity, and the digits. OFDS type IV (OMIM %258860) is rare and characterized by broad nasal root and tip, orbital hypertelorism or telecanthus, micrognathia, hypoplastic mandible, and low-set ears. Oral symptoms may include cleft lip, cleft or highly arched palate, bifid uvula, cleft or hypoplastic maxillary and mandibular alveolar ridge, oral frenula, lingual hamartoma, and absent or hypoplastic epiglottis. Dental anomalies are common and generally include disturbances in the number of teeth.Case Report.This report presents a six-year-old girl, referred with the chief complaint of missing teeth. She was diagnosed as having OFDS type IV based on clinical findings. Her parents reported three deceased children and two fetuses that had the same phenotype. She was the seventh child of consanguineous parents who were first cousins.Conclusion.This is a very rare syndrome. Many reported OFDS type IV cases have consanguineous parents, consistent with an autosomal recessive trait. Manifestation of cleft palate in the healthy sibling may be mild expression of the disorder or an unrelated isolated cleft.