bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Excitatory and inhibitory synaptic connectivity to layer V fast-spiking interneurons in the freeze lesion model of cortical microgyria
Authors: Jin Xiaoming , Jiang Kewen , Prince David A.
Published: July 2014

A variety of major developmental cortical malformations are closely associated with clinically intractable epilepsy. Pathophysiological aspects of one such disorder, human polymicrogyria, can be modeled by making neocortical freeze lesions (FL) in neonatal rodents, resulting in the formation of microgyri. Previous studies showed enhanced excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission and connectivity in cortical layer V pyramidal neurons in the paramicrogyral cortex. In young adult transgenic mice that express green fluorescent protein (GFP) specifically in parvalbumin positive fast-spiking (FS) interneurons, we used laser scanning photostimulation (LSPS) of caged glutamate to map excitatory and inhibitory synaptic connectivity onto FS interneurons in layer V of paramicrogyral cortex in control and FL groups. The proportion of uncaging sites from which excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) could be evoked (hotspot ratio) increased slightly but significantly in FS cells of the FL vs. control cortex, while the mean amplitude of LSPS-evoked EPSCs at hotspots did not change. In contrast, the hotspot ratio of inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) was significantly decreased in FS neurons of the FL cortex. These alterations in synaptic inputs onto FS interneurons may result in an enhanced inhibitory output. We conclude that alterations in synaptic connectivity to cortical layer V FS interneurons do not contribute to hyperexcitability of the FL model. Instead, the enhanced inhibitory output from these neurons may partially offset an earlier demonstrated increase in synaptic excitation of pyramidal cells and thereby maintain a relative balance between excitation and inhibition in the affected cortical circuitry.
Effective High-Order Iterative Methods via the Asymptotic Form of the Taylor-Lagrange Remainder
Authors: Fried Isaac
Published: July 2014

The asymptotic form of the Taylor-Lagrange remainder is used to derive some new, efficient, high-order methods to iteratively locate the root, simple or multiple, of a nonlinear function. Also derived are superquadratic methods that converge contrarily and superlinear and supercubic methods that converge alternatingly, enabling us not only to approach, but also to bracket the root.
High Glucose Aggravates the Detrimental Effects of Pancreatic Stellate Cells on Beta-Cell Function
Authors: Zha Min , Xu Wei , Zhai Qing , Li Fengfei , Chen Bijun , Sun Zilin
Published: July 2014

Background and Aims. We here assess the effects of PSCs onβ-cell function and apoptosisin vivoandin vitro.Materials and Methods.PSCs were transplanted into Wistar and Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats. Sixteen weeks after transplantation,β-cell function, apoptosis, and islet fibrosis were assessed.In vitrothe effects of PSCs conditioned medium (PSCs-CM) and/or high concentration of glucose on INS-1 cell function was assessed by measuring insulin secretion, INS-1 cell survival, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) associated CHOP expression.Results. PSCs transplantation exacerbated the impairedβ-cell function in GK rats, but had no significant effects in Wistar rats.In vitro, PSCs-CM caused impaired INS-1 cell viability and insulin secretion and increased apoptosis, which were more pronounced in the presence of high glucose.Conclusion.Our study demonstrates that PSCs induceβ-cell failurein vitroandin vivo.
Analysis of Genotype 1b Hepatitis C Virus IRES in Serum and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Patients Treated with Interferon and Ribavirin
Authors: Bukowska-Ośko Iwona , Caraballo Cortés Kamila , Pawełczyk Agnieszka , Płoski Rafał , Fic Maria , Perlejewski Karol , Demkow Urszula , Berak Hanna , Horban Andrzej , Laskus Tomasz , Radkowski Marek
Published: July 2014

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) highly conserved IRES (internal ribosome entry site) sequence, localized within the 5′-untranslated region (5′UTR), may determine viral properties like replication efficiency and cell tropism. The aim of the present study was to characterize newly emerging 5′UTR variants in serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with interferon (IFN) and ribavirin and to identify their effect on IRES secondary structures. The study group consisted of 87 patients infected with genotype 1b from whom serum and PBMC samples were collected at 9 time points (before, during, and after treatment). New 5′UTR variants developed in 9 patients. Out of the overall 14 new variants, 9 (64%) were found in PBMC. HCV variants with decreased thermodynamic stability were identified only in PBMC and C183U mutation was the most common one in this compartment. In conclusion, antiviral treatment may favor emergence of new 5′UTR variants both in blood and in PBMC compartments. However, variants developing in the latter compartment were predicted to have lower thermodynamic stability of the IRES secondary structures compared to serum strains. C-U change in position 183, which has not been described previously, might indicate viral adaptation to lymphoid cells.
The Unravelled Link between Chronic Kidney Disease and Hepatitis C Infection
Authors: Fabrizi Fabrizio , Messa Piergiorgio , Martin Paul
Published: July 2014

The 2011 report of the World Health Organization General Assembly on noncommunicable diseases identified chronic kidney disease as a worldwide health issue posing a heavy economic burden. Hepatitis C virus infection, which is responsible for over 1 million deaths resulting from cirrhosis and liver cancer, is linked to chronic kidney disease in several ways; some forms of renal disease are precipitated by hepatitis C and patients with end-stage chronic renal disease are at increased risk for acquiring HCV. The aim of this review is to update the evidence on the relationship between hepatitis C infection and chronic kidney disease. Information has been accumulated in the last decade indicating that HCV plays an adverse effect on the incidence and progression of chronic kidney disease; a novel meta-analysis of observational studies (seven longitudinal studies; 890,560 unique individuals) found a relationship between hepatitis C seropositivity and incidence of reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (adjusted relative risk, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.20; 2.39;P=0.002) in the adult general population. In addition to conventional risk factors, hepatitis C may be an additional factor for the development of chronic kidney disease, and an atheromasic activity of hepatitis C virus has been mentioned. The link between hepatitis C and atherosclerosis could also explain the excess risk of cardiovascular mortality that has been observed among hepatitis C virus seropositive patients undergoing maintenance dialysis. A number of biologically plausible mechanisms related to hepatitis C virus have been hypothesized to contribute to atherosclerosis. Implementation of effective treatment intervention towards hepatitis C is required to decrease the healthcare burden of hepatitis C and to prevent the progression of chronic renal disease.
Inhibition of Return in Fear of Spiders: Discrepant Eye Movement and Reaction Time Data
Authors: Berdica Elisa , Gerdes Antje B. M. , Pittig Andre , Alpers Georg W.
Published: July 2014

Inhibition of return (IOR) refers to a bias against returning the attention to a previously attended location. As a foraging facilitator it is thought to facilitate systematic visual search. With respect to neutral stimuli, this is generally thought to be adaptive, but when threatening stimuli appear in our environment, such a bias may be maladaptive. This experiment investigated the influence of phobia-related stimuli on the IOR effect using a discrimination task. A sample of 50 students (25 high, 25 low in spider fear) completed an IOR task including schematic representations of spiders or butterflies as targets. Eye movements were recorded and to assess discrimination among targets, participants indicated with button presses if targets were spiders or butterflies. Reaction time data did not reveal a significant IOR effect but a significant interaction of group and target; spider fearful participants were faster to respond to spider targets than to butterflies. Furthermore, eye-tracking data showed a robust IOR effect independent of stimulus category. These results offer a more comprehensive assessment of the motor and oculomotor factors involved in the IOR effect.
Incorporating Overconfidence into Real Option Decision-Making Model of Metal Mineral Resources Mining Project
Authors: Huang Jian-bai , Tan Na , Zhong Mei-rui
Published: July 2014

As for uncertainties and decision-makers’ overconfidence psychological bias, overconfidence has been incorporated into real option decision-making model of metal mineral resources mining to estimate its effect on decision-making of the project and thus a behavioral real option decision-making model of metal mineral resources mining based on overconfidence has been established. Furthermore, numerical simulation and sensitivity analysis have been conducted to verify the practicality of the model. Results show that model in this paper has greatly changed trigger value and option value of mineral resources mining project compared with traditional real option model, thus greatly changing optimal decision results. Incorporating overconfidence into real option decision-making model of metal mineral resources development is a crucial extension of project evaluation theory.
A Distributed Parallel Genetic Algorithm of Placement Strategy for Virtual Machines Deployment on Cloud Platform
Authors: Dong Yu-Shuang , Xu Gao-Chao , Fu Xiao-Dong
Published: July 2014

The cloud platform provides various services to users. More and more cloud centers provide infrastructure as the main way of operating. To improve the utilization rate of the cloud center and to decrease the operating cost, the cloud center provides services according to requirements of users by sharding the resources with virtualization. Considering both QoS for users and cost saving for cloud computing providers, we try to maximize performance and minimize energy cost as well. In this paper, we propose a distributed parallel genetic algorithm (DPGA) of placement strategy for virtual machines deployment on cloud platform. It executes the genetic algorithm parallelly and distributedly on several selected physical hosts in the first stage. Then it continues to execute the genetic algorithm of the second stage with solutions obtained from the first stage as the initial population. The solution calculated by the genetic algorithm of the second stage is the optimal one of the proposed approach. The experimental results show that the proposed placement strategy of VM deployment can ensure QoS for users and it is more effective and more energy efficient than other placement strategies on the cloud platform.
Modeling Enhancements in Routing Protocols under Mobility and Scalability Constraints in VANETs
Authors: Javaid N. , Akbar M. , Khan Z. A. , Alghamdi T. A. , Saqib M. N. , Khan M. I.
Published: July 2014

This paper presents mathematical framework for calculating transmission probability in IEEE 802.11 p based networks at Medium access control (MAC) layer, mathematical framework for calculating energy costs of the chosen routing protocols at network layer, and enhancements in optimized link state routing (OLSR), dynamic source routing, (DSR) and fish-eye state routing (FSR) to tackle delay in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs). Besides the enhancements, we analyze ad hoc ondemand distance vector (AODV) along with OLSR, DSR, and FSR as well. To evaluate the effect of our proposed transmission probabilities in the selected routing protocols, we choose network throughput, end-to-end delay (E2ED), and normalized routing load (NRL) as performance metrics. We also investigate the effect of different mobilities as well as scalabilities on the overall efficiency of the enhanced and default versions of the selected protocols. Simulations results which are conducted in NS-2 show that overall DSR-mod outperforms rest of the protocols.
Comparative Analysis of Protein Glycosylation Pathways in Humans and the Fungal PathogenCandida albicans
Authors: Martínez-Duncker Iván , Díaz-Jímenez Diana F. , Mora-Montes Héctor M.
Published: July 2014

Protein glycosylation pathways are present in all kingdoms of life and are metabolic pathways found in all the life kingdoms. Despite sharing commonalities in their synthesis, glycans attached to glycoproteins have species-specific structures generated by the presence of different sets of enzymes and acceptor substrates in each organism. In this review, we present a comparative analysis of the main glycosylation pathways shared by humans and the fungal pathogenCandida albicans:N-linked glycosylation,O-linked mannosylation and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchorage. The knowledge of similarities and divergences between these metabolic pathways could help find new pharmacological targets forC. albicansinfection.
PullbackD-Attractor of Coupled Rod Equations with Nonlinear Moving Heat Source
Authors: Wang Danxia , Zhang Jianwen , Wang Yinzhu
Published: July 2014

We consider the pullbackD-attractor for the nonautonomous nonlinear equations of thermoelastic coupled rod with a nonlinear moving heat source. By Galerkin method, the existence and uniqueness of global solutions are proved under homogeneous boundary conditions and initial conditions. By prior estimates combined with some inequality skills, the existence of the pullbackD-absorbing set is obtained. By proving the properties of compactness about the nonlinear operatorg1(·),g2(·), and then proving the pullbackD-condition (C), the existence of the pullbackD-attractor of the equations previously mentioned is given.
Recovery of Peripheral Nerve with Massive Loss Defect by Tissue Engineered Guiding Regenerative Gel
Authors: Rochkind Shimon , Nevo Zvi
Published: July 2014

Objective. Guiding Regeneration Gel (GRG) was developed in response to the clinical need of improving treatment for peripheral nerve injuries and helping patients regenerate massive regional losses in peripheral nerves. The efficacy of GRG based on tissue engineering technology for the treatment of complete peripheral nerve injury with significant loss defect was investigated.Background. Many severe peripheral nerve injuries can only be treated through surgical reconstructive procedures. Such procedures are challenging, since functional recovery is slow and can be unsatisfactory. One of the most promising solutions already in clinical practice is synthetic nerve conduits connecting the ends of damaged nerve supporting nerve regeneration. However, this solution still does not enable recovery of massive nerve loss defect.The proposed technologyis a biocompatible and biodegradable gel enhancing axonal growth and nerve regeneration. It is composed of a complex of substances comprising transparent, highly viscous gel resembling the extracellular matrix that is almost impermeable to liquids and gasses, flexible, elastic, malleable, and adaptable to various shapes and formats.Preclinical studyon rat model of peripheral nerve injury showed that GRG enhanced nerve regeneration when placed in nerve conduits, enabling recovery of massive nerve loss, previously unbridgeable, and enabled nerve regeneration at least as good as with autologous nerve graft “gold standard” treatment.
Relationship of the Lumbar Lordosis Angle to the Level of Termination of the Conus Medullaris and Thecal Sac
Authors: Moussallem C. D. , El Masri H. , El-Yahchouchi C. , Abou Fakher F. , Ibrahim A.
Published: July 2014

The level of termination of the conus medullaris (CM) and thecal sac (TS) is subject to variations. We try to correlate in this study these variations with the lumbar lordosis angle (LLA) using MRI scans. A retrospective study was conducted using available MRI scans of the lumbar spine. The CM level of termination (CMLT) and the TS level of termination (TSLT) were identified according to a vertebral level after dividing it into 3 parts. The LLA was also identified for each individual. Linear regression models were fitted to the data available on 141 individuals. Of these 70 were males and 71 were females. The most common site of CMLT was at the upper third of L1 (32.6%) and that of the TSLT was at the middle third of S2 (29.8%). The mean LLA was 46° (20°–81°). The most proximal CMLT was at the upper third of T12, whereas the most distal one was at the upper third of L2. The most proximal TSLT was at the upper third of S1, whereas the most distal one was at S3-S4 disc space. The CMLT showed a positive correlation with the LLA. In conclusion the CMLT and TSLT may be related to variations of the LLA.
Inflammation, Vasospasm, and Brain Injury after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Miller Brandon A. , Turan Nefize , Chau Monica , Pradilla Gustavo
Published: July 2014

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) can lead to devastating neurological outcomes, and there are few pharmacologic treatments available for treating this condition. Both animal and human studies provide evidence of inflammation being a driving force behind the pathology of SAH, leading to both direct brain injury and vasospasm, which in turn leads to ischemic brain injury. Several inflammatory mediators that are elevated after SAH have been studied in detail. While there is promising data indicating that blocking these factors might benefit patients after SAH, there has been little success in clinical trials. One of the key factors that complicates clinical trials of SAH is the variability of the initial injury and subsequent inflammatory response. It is likely that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the variability of patients’ post-SAH inflammatory response and that this confounds trials of anti-inflammatory therapies. Additionally, systemic inflammation from other conditions that affect patients with SAH could contribute to brain injury and vasospasm after SAH. Continuing work on biomarkers of inflammation after SAH may lead to development of patient-specific anti-inflammatory therapies to improve outcome after SAH.
Nutritional Risk Factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Ersoy Lebriz , Ristau Tina , Lechanteur Yara T. , Hahn Moritz , Hoyng Carel B. , Kirchhof Bernd , den Hollander Anneke I. , Fauser Sascha
Published: July 2014

Purpose. To evaluate the role of nutritional factors, serum lipids, and lipoproteins in late age-related macular degeneration (late AMD).Methods. Intake of red meat, fruit, fish, vegetables, and alcohol, smoking status, and body mass index (BMI) were ascertained questionnaire-based in 1147 late AMD cases and 1773 controls from the European Genetic Database. Serum levels of lipids and lipoproteins were determined. The relationship between nutritional factors and late AMD was assessed using logistic regression. Based on multivariate analysis, area-under-the-curve (AUC) was calculated by receiver-operating-characteristics (ROC).Results. In a multivariate analysis, besides age and smoking, obesity (odds ratio (OR): 1.44,P=0.014) and red meat intake (daily: OR: 2.34,P=8.22×10-6; 2–6x/week: OR: 1.67,P=7.98×10-5) were identified as risk factors for developing late AMD. Fruit intake showed a protective effect (daily: OR: 0.52,P=0.005; 2–6x/week: OR: 0.58,P=0.035). Serum lipid and lipoprotein levels showed no significant association with late AMD. ROC for nutritional factors, smoking, age, and BMI revealed an AUC of 0.781.Conclusion. Red meat intake and obesity were independently associated with increased risk for late AMD, whereas fruit intake was protective. A better understanding of nutritional risk factors is necessary for the prevention of AMD.
Evaluating the Performance of Polynomial Regression Method with Different Parameters during Color Characterization
Authors: Sun Bangyong , Liu Han , Zhou Shisheng , Li Wenli
Published: July 2014

The polynomial regression method is employed to calculate the relationship of device color space and CIE color space for color characterization, and the performance of different expressions with specific parameters is evaluated. Firstly, the polynomial equation for color conversion is established and the computation of polynomial coefficients is analysed. And then different forms of polynomial equations are used to calculate the RGB and CMYK’s CIE color values, while the corresponding color errors are compared. At last, an optimal polynomial expression is obtained by analysing several related parameters during color conversion, including polynomial numbers, the degree of polynomial terms, the selection of CIE visual spaces, and the linearization.
Common Fixed Points for Nonlinear Quasi-Contractions of Ćirić Type
Authors: He Fei
Published: July 2014

We establish common fixed points theorems for two self-mappings satisfying a nonlinear contractive condition of Ćirić type with aQ-function. Furthermore, using the scalarization method, we deduce some results of common fixed point in tvs-cone metric spaces with ac-distance. As application, we give a positive answer to the question of Ćirić et al. posed in 2012. Our results extend and generalize many recent results.
Behavioral Improvement and Regulation of Molecules Related to Neuroplasticity in Ischemic Rat Spinal Cord Treated with PEDF
Authors: Batista Chary Marquez , Bianqui Leonardo Luis Torres , Zanon Bruno Bonganha , Ivo Mauricio Menezes Aben Athar , de Oliveira Gabriela Pintar , Maximino Jessica Ruivo , Chadi Gerson
Published: July 2014

Pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) exerts trophic actions to motoneurons and modulates nonneuronal restorative events, but its effects on neuroplasticity responses after spinal cord (SC) injury are unknown. Rats received a low thoracic SC photothrombotic ischemia and local injection of PEDF and were evaluated behaviorally six weeks later. PEDF actions were detailed in SC ventral horn (motor) in the levels of the lumbar central pattern generator (CPG), far from the injury site. Molecules related to neuroplasticity (MAP-2), those that are able to modulate such event, for instance, neurotrophic factors (NT-3, GDNF, BDNF, and FGF-2), chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPG), and those associated with angiogenesis and antiapoptosis (laminin and Bcl-2) and Eph (receptor)/ephrin system were evaluated at cellular or molecular levels. PEDF injection improved motor behavioral performance and increased MAP-2 levels and dendritic processes in the region of lumbar CPG. Treatment also elevated GDNF and decreased NT-3, laminin, and CSPG. Injury elevated EphA4 and ephrin-B1 levels, and PEDF treatment increased ephrin A2 and ephrins B1, B2, and B3. Eph receptors and ephrins were found in specific populations of neurons and astrocytes. PEDF treatment to SC injury triggered neuroplasticity in lumbar CPG and regulation of neurotrophic factors, extracellular matrix molecules, and ephrins.
Metabolism of Cartilage Proteoglycans in Health and Disease
Authors: Vynios Demitrios H.
Published: July 2014

Cartilage proteoglycans are extracellular macromolecules with complex structure, composed of a core protein onto which a variable number of glycosaminoglycan chains are attached. Their biosynthesis at the glycosaminoglycan level involves a great number of sugar transferases well-orchestrated in Golgi apparatus. Similarly, their degradation, either extracellular or intracellular in lysosomes, involves a large number of hydrolases. A deficiency or malfunction of any of the enzymes participating in cartilage proteoglycan metabolism may lead to severe disease state. This review summarizes the findings regarding this topic.
Improving the Performance of Modular Production in the Apparel Assembly: A Mathematical Programming Approach
Authors: Wang Xiaoqing , Chiu Chun-Hung , Guo Wei
Published: July 2014

We construct the mathematical models to find the optimal allocation of the module’s capacity (module members) to different assembly operations in a module for given garment assembly tasks in a modular production system. The objectives of the models are minimizing the holding cost for work in process (WIP) inventories in the module and the total deviation of the WIP inventories from their corresponding target values in the module during a specific time interval. The solutions of the models can be used as reference to achieve better allocation of the module members to different operations in a module to fulfill the given garment assembly tasks.
On Strong Convergence of Halpern’s Method Using Averaged Type Mappings
Authors: Cianciaruso F. , Marino G. , Rugiano A. , Scardamaglia B.
Published: July 2014

Under suitable hypotheses on control coefficients, we study Halpern’s method to approximate strongly common fixed points of a nonexpansive mapping and of a nonspreading mapping or a fixed point of one of them. A crucial tool in our results is the regularization with the averaged type mappings.
Ketogenic Diet in Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Paoli Antonio , Bianco Antonino , Damiani Ernesto , Bosco Gerardo
Published: July 2014

An increasing number of data demonstrate the utility of ketogenic diets in a variety of metabolic diseases as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. In regard to neurological disorders, ketogenic diet is recognized as an effective treatment for pharmacoresistant epilepsy but emerging data suggests that ketogenic diet could be also useful in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer, Parkinson’s disease, and some mitochondriopathies. Although these diseases have different pathogenesis and features, there are some common mechanisms that could explain the effects of ketogenic diets. These mechanisms are to provide an efficient source of energy for the treatment of certain types of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by focal brain hypometabolism; to decrease the oxidative damage associated with various kinds of metabolic stress; to increase the mitochondrial biogenesis pathways; and to take advantage of the capacity of ketones to bypass the defect in complex I activity implicated in some neurological diseases. These mechanisms will be discussed in this review.
Gender Inequalities in the Health of Immigrants and Workplace Discrimination in Czechia
Authors: Dzúrová Dagmar , Drbohlav Dušan
Published: July 2014

This study analyses the relationship between immigrants’ self-reported/rated health (SRH) and their perceived working conditions in Czechia materialized via discrimination, based on the example of Ukrainian immigrants analyzed by gender dimension. The role of age, education, and marital status is also analyzed. A sample of native-born Czechs serves as a reference frame. A cross-sectional design was applied. Using data from two surveys of Ukrainian immigrants in Czechia and a countrywide health interview survey for Czechs, we analyse inequalities in SRH and workplace discrimination loads. Four binary logistic regression models were computed separately for women and men from Ukraine and Czechia to identify the determinants of fair/poor SRH. We found that only Ukrainian immigrant females were heavily exposed to all four measured types of workplace discrimination, thereby modifying and worsening the quality of their SRH. Determinants which are behind respondents’ SRH differ between Ukrainian immigrants vis-à-vis Czechs with one exception. The “oldest age group” (41–62) contributes to poorer assessment of SRH among Ukrainian females, Czech females, and Czech males too. The lowest educational level (primary education) correlates with poor SRH within the sample of Czech males.
Periodic Points of Weaker Meir-Keeler Contractive Mappings on Generalized Quasimetric Spaces
Authors: Lin Ing-Jer , Chen Chi-Ming , Karapınar Erdal
Published: July 2014

By using the weaker Meir-Keeler functionϕand the triangularα-admissible mappingα, we introduce the notion of(α-ϕ)-weaker Meir-Keeler contractive mappings and prove a theorem which assures the existence of a periodic point for these mappings on generalized quasimetric spaces.
Mathematical Analysis of the Effect of Rotor Geometry on Cup Anemometer Response
Authors: Sanz-Andrés Ángel , Pindado Santiago , Sorribes-Palmer Félix
Published: July 2014

The calibration coefficients of two commercial anemometers equipped with different rotors were studied. The rotor cups had the same conical shape, while the size and distance to the rotation axis varied. The analysis was based on the 2-cup positions analytical model, derived using perturbation methods to include second-order effects such as pressure distribution along the rotating cups and friction. The comparison with the experimental data indicates a nonuniform distribution of aerodynamic forces on the rotating cups, with higher forces closer to the rotating axis. The 2-cup analytical model is proven to be accurate enough to study the effect of complex forces on cup anemometer performance.
Preoperative Arrhythmias Such as Atrial Fibrillation: Cardiovascular Surgery Risk Factor
Authors: Anghel Diana , Anghel Radu , Corciova Flavia , Enache Mihail , Tinica Grigore
Published: July 2014

Atrial fibrillation is still the most common arrhythmia that occurs in heart surgery. However, there is few literature data on the manner in which preoperative atrial fibrillation may influence the postoperative outcome of various heart surgery procedures. The purpose of our research is to assess the effects of preoperative atrial fibrillation on patients having undergone different heart surgery procedures. The results of our research are a review of clinical data which were collected prospectively, over a 10-year period, from all the patients who had undergone heart surgery in our Institute. The study group included 1119 heart surgery patients, who were divided as follows: the preoperative AFib group (n=226, 20.19%) and the sinus rhythm group (n=893, 79.80%). Major postoperative complications and hospital mortality rates were analyzed. According to our statistical analysis, preoperative atrial fibrillation significantly increased the mortality risk (P=0.001), the patients’ mechanical ventilation needs (P=0.022), the rate of occurrence of infectious complications (P<0.5), the rate of occurrence of complications such as acute kidney failure (P=0.012), and the time spent by the patients in the intensive care ward (P<0.01). In conclusion, preoperative atrial fibrillation in heart surgery patients increases the mortality and major complication risk further to heart surgery.
A Least Squares Method for Variance Estimation in Heteroscedastic Nonparametric Regression
Authors: Zhou Yuejin , Cheng Yebin , Tong Tiejun
Published: July 2014

Interest in variance estimation in nonparametric regression has grown greatly in the past several decades. Among the existing methods, the least squares estimator in Tong and Wang (2005) is shown to have nice statistical properties and is also easy to implement. Nevertheless, their method only applies to regression models with homoscedastic errors. In this paper, we propose two least squares estimators for the error variance in heteroscedastic nonparametric regression: the intercept estimator and the slope estimator. Both estimators are shown to be consistent and their asymptotic properties are investigated. Finally, we demonstrate through simulation studies that the proposed estimators perform better than the existing competitor in various settings.
Facile Synthesis of Magnetic Copolymer Microspheres Based on Poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-N-isopropylacrylamide)/Fe3O4by Suspension Photopolymerization
Authors: Mazlan Siti Zulaikha , Rahim Faszly , Abu Hanifah Sharina
Published: July 2014

Magnetic copolymer based on poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-N-isopropylacrylamide) microspheres was prepared by 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone- (DMPP-) photo initiated and poly(vinyl alcohol)- (PVA-) stabilized single step suspension photopolymerization. The effect of chemical interaction, morphology, and thermal properties by adding 0.1% w/v Fe3O4in the copolymer was investigated. Infrared analysis (FTIR) showed that (C=C) band disappeared after copolymerization, indicating that the magnetic copolymer microspheres were successfully synthesized and two important bands at 908 cm−1and 1550 cm−1appear. These are associated with the epoxy group stretching of GMA and secondary amide (N–H/C–H) deformation vibration of NIPAAm in magnetic microspheres. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) result proved the incorporation of Fe3O4nanoparticles with copolymer microspheres as peak of Fe3O4was observed. Morphology study revealed that magnetic copolymer exhibited uniform spheres and smoother appearance when entrapped with Fe3O4nanoparticles. The lowest percentage of Fe3O4nanoparticles leached from the copolymer microspheres was obtained at pH 7. Finally, thermal property of the copolymer microspheres was improved by adding a small amount of Fe3O4nanoparticles that has been shown from the thermogram.
Dimension Reduction Using Samples’ Inner Structure Based Graph for Face Recognition
Authors: Li Bin , Pang Wei , Liu Yuhao , Yu Xiangchun , Du Anan , Zhang Yecheng , Yu Zhezhou
Published: July 2014

Graph construction plays a vital role in improving the performance of graph‐based dimension reduction (DR) algorithms. In this paper, we propose a novel graph construction method, and we name the graph constructed from such method as samples’ inner structure based graph (SISG). Instead of determining the k‐nearest neighbors of each sample by calculating the Euclidean distance between vectorized sample pairs, our new method employs the newly defined sample similarities to calculate the neighbors of each sample, and the newly defined sample similarities are based on the samples’ inner structure information. The SISG not only reveals the inner structure information of the original sample matrix, but also avoids predefining the parameter k as used in the k‐nearest neighbor method. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of SISG, we apply it to an unsupervised DR algorithm, locality preserving projection (LPP). Experimental results on several benchmark face databases verify the feasibility and effectiveness of SISG.
The Influence of Dosing Modes of Coagulate on Arsenic Removal
Authors: Zhang Zhibin , Li Jinxiang , Sun Cuizhen , Zhang Yanhao , Huang Lilong , Wang Meng
Published: July 2014

Three different dosing modes, including one single dosing mode and two sequential dosing modes, were applied in high-arsenic contaminated water treatment. The results illustrated that the As (V) soluble and the As (V) nonspecifically sorbed were the insignificant species from Fe-As (V) samples in the sequential dosing mode, while they were higher in the single dosing mode. However, it could be further concluded that the mobility of the Fe-As (V) in sequential dosing mode was greater than that in single dosing mode. Besides, the main arsenic speciation governing the arsenic-borne coagulates was the As (V) associated with poorly crystalline hydrous oxides of Fe in sequential or single dosing mode. Moreover, the particle size distribution analysis indicated that the sequential dosing mode was more prevalent in neutralizing and adsorbing the As (V) compared with the single dosing mode. In the FT-IR spectra, the presence of arsenic was highlighted by a well resolved band at 825–829 cm−1. The positions of the As–O stretching vibration bands were shifted gradually as the dosing mode changed from the single to the sequential. This result could be related to the distribution of arsenic speciation in different dosing modes.
A Switched Diversity Scheme for Massive MIMO Systems
Authors: Wang Qianya , Yang Hongwen
Published: July 2014

With the constraint of antenna space, spatial correlation and mutual coupling must be considered to accurately predict the system performance for massive MIMO systems. Increasing the antenna quantity can degrade the system performance due to mutual coupling. Antenna selection systems have better performance and lower hardware cost than full-MIMO systems. However, the conventional selection combining (SC) scheme consumes a great amount of training overhead and has high operational complexity in the presence of mutual coupling. This paper proposes a group switch-and-examine combining (GSEC) scheme for massive MIMO systems with the spatial correlation and mutual coupling existing at both the transmitter and receiver. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed GSEC scheme provides better effective capacity performance and lower operational complexity than the conventional selection combining (SC) and full-MIMO scheme.
Hesitant Fuzzy Soft Set and Its Applications in Multicriteria Decision Making
Authors: Wang Fuqiang , Li Xihua , Chen Xiaohong
Published: July 2014

Molodtsov’s soft set theory is a newly emerging mathematical tool to handle uncertainty. However, the classical soft sets are not appropriate to deal with imprecise and fuzzy parameters. This paper aims to extend the classical soft sets to hesitant fuzzy soft sets which are combined by the soft sets and hesitant fuzzy sets. Then, the complement, “AND”, “OR”, union and intersection operations are defined on hesitant fuzzy soft sets. The basic properties such as DeMorgan’s laws and the relevant laws of hesitant fuzzy soft sets are proved. Finally, with the help of level soft set, the hesitant fuzzy soft sets are applied to a decision making problem and the effectiveness is proved by a numerical example.
Microarray-Based RNA Profiling of Breast Cancer: Batch Effect Removal Improves Cross-Platform Consistency
Authors: Larsen Martin J. , Thomassen Mads , Tan Qihua , Sørensen Kristina P. , Kruse Torben A.
Published: July 2014

Microarray is a powerful technique used extensively for gene expression analysis. Different technologies are available, but lack of standardization makes it challenging to compare and integrate data. Furthermore, batch-related biases within datasets are common but often not tackled. We have analyzed the same 234 breast cancers on two different microarray platforms. One dataset contained known batch-effects associated with the fabrication procedure used. The aim was to assess the significance of correcting for systematic batch-effects when integrating data from different platforms. We here demonstrate the importance of detecting batch-effects and how tools, such as ComBat, can be used to successfully overcome such systematic variations in order to unmask essential biological signals. Batch adjustment was found to be particularly valuable in the detection of more delicate differences in gene expression. Furthermore, our results show that prober adjustment is essential for integration of gene expression data obtained from multiple sources. We show that high-variance genes are highly reproducibly expressed across platforms making them particularly well suited as biomarkers and for building gene signatures, exemplified by prediction of estrogen-receptor status and molecular subtypes. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the importance of utilizing proper batch adjustment methods when integrating data across different batches and platforms.
Sparse Scenario Imaging for Active Radar in the Forward‐Looking Direction
Authors: Wang Jun , Yan Fenggang , Zhao Yinan , Qiao Xiaolin
Published: July 2014

The resolution of multiple targets at the same range cell but different angles in the forward‐looking direction is of great trouble for active radar. Based on compressive sensing (CS) framework, a sparse scenario imaging approach using joint angle‐Doppler representation basis is proposed, which employs multisensor and single‐receiver channel hardware architecture. Firstly, the joint angle‐Doppler representation basis is formulated using the Doppler dictionary, and then the radar returns during multiple pulse repetition periods are modeled as the measurements with respect to a stationary sparse target scenario via the joint representation basis; in the end, the image of sparse target scenario is recovered using the single‐receiver echoes. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the proposed method can provide an image of the spatial sparse scenario at the same range for active radar in the forward‐looking direction.
Cooperative Fuzzy Games Approach to Setting Target Levels of ECs in Quality Function Deployment
Authors: Yang Zhihui , Chen Yizeng , Yin Yunqiang
Published: July 2014

Quality function deployment (QFD) can provide a means of translating customer requirements (CRs) into engineering characteristics (ECs) for each stage of product development and production. The main objective of QFD-based product planning is to determine the target levels of ECs for a new product or service. QFD is a breakthrough tool which can effectively reduce the gap between CRs and a new product/service. Even though there are conflicts among some ECs, the objective of developing new product is to maximize the overall customer satisfaction. Therefore, there may be room for cooperation among ECs. A cooperative game framework combined with fuzzy set theory is developed to determine the target levels of the ECs in QFD. The key to develop the model is the formulation of the bargaining function. In the proposed methodology, the players are viewed as the membership functions of ECs to formulate the bargaining function. The solution for the proposed model is Pareto-optimal. An illustrated example is cited to demonstrate the application and performance of the proposed approach.
Effects of Geopotential and Atmospheric Drag Effects on Frozen Orbits Using Nonsingular Variables
Authors: Pardal Paula Cristiane Pinto Mesquita , de Moraes Rodolpho Vilhena , Kuga Helio Koiti
Published: July 2014

The concept of frozen orbit has been applied in space missions mainly for orbital tracking and control purposes. This type of orbit is important for orbit design because it is characterized by keeping the argument of perigee and eccentricity constant on average, so that, for a given latitude, the satellite always passes at the same altitude, benefiting the users through this regularity. Here, the system of nonlinear differential equations describing the motion is studied, and the effects of geopotential and atmospheric drag perturbations on frozen orbits are taken into account. Explicit analytical expressions for secular and long period perturbations terms are obtained for the eccentricity and the argument of perigee. The classical equations of Brouwer and Brouwer and Hori theories are used. Nonsingular variables approach is used, which allows obtaining more precise previsions for CBERS (China Brazil Earth Resources Satellite) satellites family and similar satellites (SPOT, Landsat, ERS, and IRS) orbital evolution.
Adult Separation Anxiety and TCI-R Personality Dimensions in Patients with Anxiety, Alcohol Use, and Gambling: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Pozzi Gino , Bruschi Angelo , De Angelis Andrea , Pascucci Marco , Hatzigiakoumis Daniele Stavros , Grandinetti Paolo , Di Nicola Marco , Pini Stefano , Janiri Luigi
Published: July 2014

Background. Nowadays, adult separation anxiety disorder (ASAD) is an established diagnostic category but is little investigated in subjects with addictive behaviours.Objective. To assess the presence of ASAD among patients with addictive disorders in comparison with anxiety patients and measure the personality correlates in all these groups.Methods. 103 outpatients, meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria for anxiety disorders (38 patients), alcohol dependence (30 patients), or pathological gambling (35 patients), were assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for Separation Anxiety Symptoms (SCI-SAS) and the Adult Separation Anxiety Checklist (ASA-27) for separation anxiety and by the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised (TCI-R) for personality characteristics.Results. ASAD is detected in 34.2% of anxiety patients, 13.3% of alcoholics, and 11.4% of gamblers. Separation anxiety scores correlate positively with harm avoidance and negatively with self-directedness in all groups; further correlations are seen among addictive patients only, that is, self-transcendence for gamblers and cooperativeness for both alcoholics and gamblers.Conclusions. The prevalence of ASAD is lower among addictive patients than in those with anxiety disorders; correlations are found between separation anxiety and specific TCI-R dimensions, with some matching across the three diagnostic groups.
ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS5 Knockout Mice Are Protected from Versican but Not Aggrecan or Brevican Proteolysis during Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Demircan Kadir , Topcu Vehap , Takigawa Tomoyuki , Akyol Sumeyya , Yonezawa Tomoko , Ozturk Gulfer , Ugurcu Veli , Hasgul Rukiye , Yigitoglu M. Ramazan , Akyol Omer , McCulloch Daniel R. , Hirohata Satoshi
Published: July 2014

The chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) aggrecan, versican, and brevican are large aggregating extracellular matrix molecules that inhibit axonal growth of the mature central nervous system (CNS). ADAMTS proteoglycanases, including ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS5, degrade CSPGs, representing potential targets for ameliorating axonal growth-inhibition by CSPG accumulation after CNS injury. We investigated the proteolysis of CSPGs in mice homozygous forAdamts4orAdamts5null alleles after spinal cord injury (SCI). ADAMTS-derived 50–60 kDa aggrecan and 50 kDa brevican fragments were observed inAdamts4−/−,Adamts5−/−, andwtmice but not in the sham-operated group. By contrastAdamts4−/−andAdamts5−/−mice were both protected from versican proteolysis with an ADAMTS-generated 70 kDa versican fragment predominately observed in WT mice. ADAMTS1, ADAMTS9, and ADAMTS15 were detected by Western blot inAdamts4−/−mice’ spinal cords after SCI. Immunohistochemistry showed astrocyte accumulation at the injury site. These data indicate that aggrecan and brevican proteolysis is compensated inAdamts4−/−orAdamts5−/−mice by ADAMTS proteoglycanase family members but a threshold of versican proteolysis is sensitive to the loss of a single ADAMTS proteoglycanase during SCI. We show robust ADAMTS activity after SCI and exemplify the requirement for collective proteolysis for effective CSPG clearance during SCI.
Diagnosis of Exclusion: A Case Report of Probable Glatiramer Acetate-Induced Eosinophilic Myocarditis
Authors: Michaud Christopher J. , Bockheim Heather M. , Nabeel Muhammad , Daum Timothy E.
Published: July 2014

Importance.Medication-induced eosinophilia is an acknowledged, often self-limiting occurrence. Glatiramer acetate, a biologic injection used in the management of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, is widely regarded as a safe and effective medication and lists eosinophilia as an infrequent side effect in its package insert. Contrary to reports of transient, benign drug-induced eosinophilia, we describe a case of probable glatiramer acetate-induced eosinophilia that ultimately culminated in respiratory distress, shock, and eosinophilic myocarditis.Observations.A 59-year-old female was admitted to the hospital after routine outpatient labs revealed leukocytosis (43,000 cells/mm3) with pronounced hypereosinophilia (63%). This patient had been using glatiramer acetate without complication for over 10 years prior to admission. Leukocytosis and hypereosinophilia persisted as a myriad of diagnostic evaluations returned negative, ultimately leading to respiratory depression, shock, and myocarditis. Glatiramer acetate was held for the first time on day 6 of the hospital stay with subsequent resolution of leukocytosis, hypereosinophilia, respiratory distress, and shock.Conclusions and Relevance.Glatiramer acetate was probably the cause of this observed hypereosinophilia and the resulting complications. Reports of glatiramer-induced eosinophilia are rare, and few case reports regarding medication-induced hypereosinophilia describe the severe systemic manifestations seen in this patient.